The only source of information would be the cults themselves - and they are not reliable. An often quoted figure is that there are up to half a million current and former cult members in Britain. Wise up to their world with the quick guide.
1 Never underestimate the power that cults can exert in attracting people.
According to the Cult Information Centre, their sophisticated mind control techniques will work on anyone, given the right circumstances. "Those who think they are immune are only making themselves more vulnerable," says the centre's founder, Ian Howarth.
2 No-one ever joins a cult, says Howarth, himself an ex-cult member: "They are recruited by them." Young people are no more vulnerable by virtue of being young. But they are actively targeted. Recruiters hang out at Glastonbury and other festivals, in shopping malls, at university freshers' fairs, looking out for young backpackers travelling on gap years. If young people are having a hard time emotionally, and need someone to lean on, a cult might be there. And young people will be damaged as a result.
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