This warning comes after the Netflix drama Adolescence highlighted how schoolchildren can be lured into extreme ideologies.
Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan, the Met’s London Prevent Co-ordinator, said: “The themes and storyline in Adolescence have sparked some incredibly important debate about dangerous rhetoric and ideologies that young schoolchildren can be exposed to through online and social media platforms.
“While it’s a fictitious drama, the story is grounded in a reality that we are seeing more and more in our work within Counter Terrorism Policing.
“Young people are being referred to us, and in almost every instance, a big part of their vulnerability is coming from what they are doing, seeing and consuming online.”
She emphasised the importance of parents keeping a close eye on their children’s online activities and having open conversations about potential warning signs.
For parents who remain concerned, she suggested they seek help immediately.
Detective Superintendent Corrigan recommended the Act Early website as a helpful resource for tips and guidance, as well as a support line for direct advice from specialist officers.
She expressed particular concern for the children who aren’t being referred to the police, as these cases could easily go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Although the current public focus on this issue is largely due to the Adolescence TV drama, the counter terrorism officers have been concerned for some time about the increasing number of young people being radicalised.
Their concerns have been substantiated by the figures for terrorism arrests and Prevent referrals.
Both 2023 and 2024 set records for the number of under-18s arrested for terrorism-related offences, with 43 and 39 arrests respectively.
In 2002, there were only three such arrests, and in 2019 the figure was 12.
Prevent referral figures present a similar picture, with nearly six out of every ten referrals in 2023/24 relating to under-18s, up from around five in every ten back in 2016/17.
Detective Superintendent Corrigan said: “I appreciate that this might seem quite daunting or unsettling for some parents or carers.
“And while it is still only a very small proportion of young people who may actually be affected, parents must not be fooled into thinking that this is something that only happens to others.
“We’ve had referrals and provided support through Prevent to a whole range of children, relating to a whole mix of different ideologies.”
She urged parents to visit the Act Early website, speak to their children, and trust their instincts if they have any concerns.
Prevent is a government-led programme aimed at stopping vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism, with the police working alongside other safeguarding agencies to provide necessary support.
The public is also encouraged to report any terrorist or extremist online content they encounter via gov.uk/ACT.
Parents worried about their children, or anyone concerned about a young person, are urged to visit the Act Early website or call the Act Early support line on 0800 011 3764 to speak with specially trained officers.
The support line is a confidential service, providing advice and support to those with genuine concerns about potential radicalisation.
