Home Office figures show a dramatic rise in the number of under-18s referred to the government’s counter-terrorism programme. And for the first time since the data was recorded, there was an equal balance in the number of cases linked to the far-right and those linked to Islamic radicalisation.
An investigation by Sky News has found that British children under the age of 10 are being investigated over their links to far-right groups. Extremists are using video games and social media to groom children into following their ideology, Sky has discovered.
Home Office figures show a dramatic rise in the number of under-18s referred to the government’s counter-terrorism programme. And for the first time since the data was recorded, there was an equal balance in the number of cases linked to the far-right and those linked to Islamic radicalisation.
17 Nov 2020
Young People are choosing to get their information and news from social media / apps – safety and monitoring for these are key.
Alex is in year 5. He lives with his dad, who is terminally ill, and his granddad. His mum left when he was younger.
Alex felt very isolated because he’d lost his mum and was close to losing his dad. He watched a lot of inappropriate programmes and films and played a lot of violent video games.
Alex had recently moved to a specialist provider because of his challenging behaviour. He seemed scared that something would happen there and made rudimentary weapons. The setting made a Prevent referral.
The Channel panel did not take on the case. They signposted it back to the school because there were no counter-terrorism concerns.
Alex’s dad was not very supportive and did not want to engage with the school.
The school delivered online safety workshops with pupils. All pupils were able to discuss their views and Alex engaged very well in this.
A pastoral behaviour lead held regular mentor meetings with Alex. They put in place a behaviour plan to tackle his fears and concerns.
The specialist provider continued to try and engage with Alex’s dad. They were able to speak to him about internet use and gave guidance on parental controls and supervision.
Alex felt much more settled at the specialist provider and was not scared of what might happen there.
Alex’s dad’s condition improved somewhat, and he was able to plan a holiday with him in the summer.
Alex was given time and a safe space to discuss any concerns he had in the placement and his behaviour gradually improved. The school felt confident they could manage his behaviour.