Latest news with #radicalisation
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
The red flag hiding in your kids' games that they're being groomed & easy guide to keep them safe online this summer
THE summer holidays bring lots of freedom for our children. But it can also lead to an increase in screen time - as parents balance work commitments with keeping their kids occupied. This comes with a stark warning from security chiefs, who are urgently calling on parents to prevent children from accessing toxic online material. This unprecedented alert stems from a deeply concerning trend: a growing number of children, some as young as 12, are being radicalised and brainwashed into committing acts of terrorism. Alarming statistics reveal the scale of the threat, with around one in five individuals arrested for terrorism-related offences now aged under 18, and half of all referrals to the Government's Prevent anti-radicalisation programme involving children. Appealing to parents, Sir Ken McCallum, MI5's Director General, emphasised the speed and sophistication of this danger: 'In a few clicks, young people can be speaking to terrorists online, consuming violent content. 'Terrorists are using slick propaganda to pull young people down a dangerous and potentially life-changing path.' This urgent appeal for parental vigilance regarding children's internet use is a joint call from the heads of MI5, the National Crime Agency, and Counter Terrorism Policing. New research from consumer insights platform GWI further underscores this concern, revealing that 66% of UK respondents cited 'exposure to harmful content' as one of their biggest worries about children using social media. While digital spaces offer connection and entertainment, they also harbour insidious threats like online grooming and the terrifying rise of extremism. These dangers often manifest not through obvious red flags, but through subtle, non-suspecting signs that parents must learn to recognise. Experts across child protection, psychology, and law enforcement are urging parents to be vigilant and proactive, transforming their approach to online safety from reactive to deeply empathetic and informed. Navigating Child Independence: Legal Guidelines & Safety Considerations in Scotland Here, we reveal the behavioural red flags to watch out for - and they're ones that can easily go missed. A Sudden Shift in Screen Habits Keep an eye on how your child uses their devices. You might notice them suddenly spending way more time online, or even avoiding it altogether. It's a bit like a digital mood swing, as experts at Parent Club point out. Also, watch out if they get a bit shifty when you're around - quickly flipping their phone over or closing tabs when you walk in. That secrecy can be a real tell-tale sign. The Emotional Rollercoaster Online dangers can really mess with a child's feelings. They might seem upset, worried, sad, or just generally withdrawn after being online. Jarmila Tomkova, an expert on online harms, highlights that if your child seems hesitant to talk about their online world, or looks anxious after chatting with someone, it could be a big clue they're being manipulated. She explains on the ESET blog that "the toxicity of the malicious relationship made them feel as if they´d done something wrong, hence not wanting to share their inner world." You might also spot mood swings, or they could start having trouble sleeping or with their mental health. Jarmila adds that "the child may start acting aloof, withdraws themselves from society, and gets into more conflicts." 3 Unexpected Gifts? Pay Attention! If your child suddenly has new things, whether it's a physical present or even virtual stuff like extra lives or points in a game, and you're not sure where it came from, Jarmila says it's a "big red flag" that you absolutely shouldn't ignore. These can be a groomer's way of building trust. The Secret World of Online Chats Communication patterns can also be a huge clue. Groomers often push kids to use messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat because they're trickier for parents to keep an eye on, as NSPCC Learning points out. You might notice your child becoming super secretive about their online time, or avoiding video or phone calls with their "online friends" - which could mean that "friend" isn't who they say they are. They might even start demanding secrecy, with the online person telling them to keep conversations "private" or "their little secret". The groomer often tries to cut kids off from their real-life friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation. And a really worrying sign is if your child starts using sexual language you wouldn't expect them to know. As the Metropolitan Police noted in 2022, "Signs of grooming can easily be mistaken for 'typical' teenage behaviour, but you may notice unexplained changes in behaviour or personality or inappropriate behaviour for their age." Urge for 'Change' One big red flag, according to Action Counters Terrorism (ACT), is if your child suddenly starts thinking 'a change needs to happen.' They might develop an intense, even angry, desire for 'something to be done' about perceived injustices, perhaps reacting strongly to acts of extremism or terrorism. ACT explains that radicalisers are clever; they "exploit these feelings and offer an 'answer' to the problem or issue the person is angry or upset about." They might even convince your child that joining extremist groups and taking "violent action" is the only way to find a solution. Digital Footprints When it comes to extremism, pay attention to their online activity. ACT urges us to watch out if they're liking, sharing, or re-tweeting posts from extremist groups or individuals. Children might become secretive about who they're talking to online and what websites they're visiting, or spend loads of time researching extremist ideas. Another red flag is if they have more than one online identity. And, as Kids Health suggests, notice if they quickly switch screens when you come near their device - that's often a sign they're hiding something. Lost Interests Beyond the screen, look at their social life. ACT also advises noting if they start distancing themselves from old friends or changing their social circle entirely. You might find they're no longer enjoying activities they used to love, or they become much more emotional, angry, or resentful. A strong new sense of identity or belonging tied to a new group or ideology is also a big warning sign. And keep an eye out for new electronic devices or phones that you didn't provide - that can be a way for them to communicate secretly. What Can You Do? 3 The NSPCC stresses that "talking regularly with your child can help keep them safe online." Make it a normal part of your day, like asking about school, so they feel relaxed and more likely to come to you with worries. Dr. Elly Hanson, a clinical psychologist, advises us to be "genuinely curious" about their online world, not dismissive, so they feel comfortable sharing. And crucially, let them know you won't be cross, even if they've stumbled into something "wrong" - fear of punishment often keeps kids silent. Setting Smart Boundaries While talking is key, setting clear boundaries is also super important. Use those parental controls on devices and apps to filter out inappropriate stuff, but always explain why these rules are in place. The Digital Parenting Coach suggests setting "clear and consistent screen time boundaries" and having "device-free time and zones" - like no phones at dinner or in bedrooms. Even better, create a "family media agreement" together, so everyone's on the same page and feels involved. Monitoring with Trust Keeping an eye on things is vital, but it's about balance. You can't protect them from what you don't know is happening, as Child Rescue Coalition points out. However, avoid "micromanaging" every single text or post, as this can actually make kids more secretive. Instead, talk openly about why you're monitoring and what you're looking for, building trust rather than suspicion. Keeping devices in shared family areas helps with natural supervision and encourages open chat.
The Sun
7 days ago
- The Sun
Warning to parents to stop kids accessing toxic content online amid surge in children being brainwashed for terror acts
SECURITY chiefs are calling on parents to stop children accessing toxic online material over the summer holidays. The unprecedented warning comes as it emerged a growing number of kids, some as young as 12, are being radicalised and brainwashed into committing acts of terrorism. 2 Around one in five people arrested for terrorist offences are aged under 18 and half of all referrals to the Government's Prevent anti-radicalisation programme are children. Appealing to parents yesterday, MI5 boss Sir Ken McCallum said: 'In a few clicks, young people can be speaking to terrorists online, consuming violent content. 'Terrorists are using slick propaganda to pull young people down a dangerous and potentially life-changing path.' He joined chiefs from the National Crime Agency and Counter Terrorism Policing to urge parents and carers to be vigilant about children's use of the internet. It was the first such warning ever issued and comes after heads of the 'Five Eyes' nations — the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada — last year called for action to combat the growing threat to kids posed by online extremism. Counter Terrorism Policing head Vicki Evans said: 'We encourage parents to activate parental controls on routers, devices and apps, and to start the conversation about online safety.' The NCA's Alexander Murray also warned of online toxic masculinity, as seen in Netflix hit Adolescence. He said: 'There is a fast-growing threat from sadistic and violent online gangs. . . including fraud, cyber, child sexual abuse, violence and extremism.' Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters' acclaimed drama Adolescence smashes huge Netflix record by DOUBLE after taking world by storm 2
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Daily Mail
MI5 boss warns terrorists will recruit children over school summer holidays after record numbers of teenagers are arrested
The head of MI5 has issued an unprecedented warning that terrorists are seeking to recruit children over the summer holidays after record arrests of teenagers. Sir Ken McCallum appealed to parents today warning online offenders will exploit the school break to draw children into criminal acts, saying just a 'few short clicks' can 'pull young people down a dangerous and potentially life-changing path'. The advisory issued for the first time jointly by MI5, Counter Terrorism Policing and the National Crime Agency comes after a record number of teenage arrests for terrorism offences. The Director General of MI5 said: 'In 2024 I said that 13 per cent of all those investigated by MI5 for involvement in terrorism were under 18. 'That deeply concerning presence of young people in our casework continues to this day. 'In a few short clicks, young people can be speaking to dangerous radicalising terrorists online, consuming violent and extremist content. 'Terrorists who understand online culture are using slick propaganda to pull young people down a dangerous and potentially life-changing path.' Of the 219 arrests for terrorism-related offences in 2023, a record 42 suspects were aged 17 or under. Last year there were 39 youngsters arrested aged 17 or under. Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is increasingly seeing children being routinely exposed and completely desensitised to extreme and obscene content. Experts fear children will be viewing terrorism content, sexual violence, self-harm and suicide content, extreme gore, animal cruelty and indecent images of children during the summer holidays. CTP senior national coordinator for Prevent and pursue, Vicki Evans, said: 'Unfortunately, every year, we arrest children for terrorism offences, which tend to come about after they are led down the wrong path by extremists seeking to use the internet to target those whose age makes them vulnerable, or as a result of accessing harmful abhorrent content online. 'A significant proportion of their parents were unaware of their child's online activity - who they talked to, the content they viewed, and the sites and platforms they used. 'With the summer holidays now under way and children spending more time online, we're asking parents and carers to have conversations with the young people in their lives about what they are doing online and who they are speaking to. 'None of my colleagues started working in counter terrorism thinking they would be investigating and arresting children as young as 12 for terrorism offences. 'The online environment can be a sanctuary for children to socialise and form strong bonds but for all the benefits it brings, the internet has also globalised extremism. 'It has accelerated the spread of hateful ideologies internationally and made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to reach into the lives of children halfway round the world.' The Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matthew Ward said: 'We know parents care deeply about keeping their children safe online and given the ever-developing digital world it can feel like an uphill battle. 'We want parents to empower their children to know what to do if they come across inappropriate content online.' National Crime Agency Director of Threat Leadership Alexander Murray said: 'There is a fast-growing threat from sadistic and violent online gangs, made up predominantly of teenage boys, dedicated to inflicting harm and committing a range of criminality which includes fraud, cyber, child sexual abuse, violence and extremism/terror related offences. 'They are international and operate across multiple channels, including messaging apps, gaming platforms and other online forums. 'We are working closely with our partners in response to this complex threat, but we recommend that adults take time to understand the online lives of young people to help prevent them falling victim to these networks.'
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Radicalisation warning as 1,300 Afghans become homeless in past year
A review into a Ministry of Defence data leak has warned that Afghans evacuated to Britain are at risk of radicalisation due to feeling let down by their new life in the UK. Paul Rimmer, who led the review, highlighted a growing disparity between resettled Afghans' expectations and the reality of stretched UK housing and public services. The warning follows a catastrophic MoD data leak in which the names and contact details of around 18,700 Afghans applying to relocate to Britain were exposed. This breach, discovered in August 2023, led to about 16,000 Afghans being covertly relocated to Britain. Details could only recently be reported after a superinjunction was lifted. The review also revealed that more than 1,300 Afghans have become homeless since July 2023, with initial government estimates that 10 per cent of refugees could face homelessness proving overly optimistic.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Afghans ‘at risk of being radicalised in the UK' as Home Office urged to investigate threat
Afghans evacuated to safety in Britain are at risk of being radicalised because they may feel let down by their new life in the UK, a review into the catastrophic Ministry of Data data leak has warned. Paul Rimmer, the former deputy head of Defence Intelligence who led the government's review into the data breach, warned that competing pressures on the UK housing system and wider public services meant there was a 'growing gap' between the expectations and reality of life in Britain for Afghans who resettle here. His review urged the Home Office to investigate the risk of radicalisation further, warning that Afghanistan is 'becoming a base for a wide range of terrorist groups'. Under secret plans to evacuate Afghans affected by the breach to the UK, ministers had approved a scheme which estimated that ten per cent of refugees could become homeless. Those brought to Britain are housed in temporary accommodation for nine months before, in most cases, being expected to find their own homes. The review found that many might not have anywhere to live long-term. The findings were revealed in a new version of the report, which was shared with media parties to the superinjunction case, after a private version of the report was 'opened-up' by lawyers, allowing it to be shared. Mr Rimmer's review said experts, including NGOs and independent case workers, who gave evidence to the review, 'expressed concern around the risk that resettled Afghans could be radicalised in the UK'. It said there 'is a risk of a growing gap between resettled Afghans' expectations, and the reality of what ever-more stretched domestic services can deliver'. Some experts also 'highlighted concerns around the extent to which Afghanistan is becoming a base for a wide range of terrorist groups', prompting Mr Rimmer to urge the Home Office to investigate the issue 'in more detail'. It was revealed last week that around 18,700 Afghans who had applied to relocate to Britain over safety fears had their names and contact details exposed in a catastrophic MoD data leak. The breach happened when a member of the armed forces emailed a secret database to trusted contacts in February 2022. The blunder, which was only discovered in August 2023, resulted in some 16,000 Afghans being relocated to Britain as part of a covert operation over fears they would be targeted by the Taliban The operation was only publicly revealed last Tuesday after an unprecedented superinjunction banning details of the leak from being reported was lifted after nearly two years of secrecy. The trigger behind the lifting of the was Mr Rimmer's review which concluded that, while the Taliban does commit reprisals against former Afghan security forces, being identified on the dataset was unlikely to constitute sole grounds for targeting. It comes as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer told MPs on Monday that ministers were 'quite uncomfortable' about the continuing superinjunction when they discovered its existence on taking office in 2024. Sir Keir told the Liaison Committee: 'It was a shocking inheritance, we inherited the breach, the injunction and a secret scheme. A number of us were quite uncomfortable about that which is why we set up the review to ask the question, is it necessary for these arrangements still to be in place? That produced an answer, which was no.' Asked why it took Labour a year to come to that view, Sir Keir responded: 'It was a very complicated review... I wanted the review to be as careful as it could be. That was a risk assessment which held people's lives in it.' The prime minister's comments come as an accompanying report to the policy review revealed that more than 1,300 Afghans have become homeless and been given emergency housing help by councils since July 2023. Over 100 families were living in temporary accommodation, such as B&Bs and hotels, as of April this year. Under the government's Afghan Resettlement Programme, which covered public and secret resettlement routes for Afghans to come to the UK, around 10 per cent of Afghans were estimated to become homeless. Officials estimated this would be around 730 people a year, but the government review said this was 'overly optimistic', as it was overly reliant on Afghan families being able to find their own private rented accommodation. Ministers have now closed the secret ARR scheme, but will honour sanctuary invitations already sent out and will continue to process cases in the two public Afghan resettlement schemes. A government spokesperson said that all arrivals 'have to undergo robust security checks, including for national security. If they don't pass these checks, they are not granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK'. He added that the government is 'working with local authorities to ensure housing solutions meet the needs of the UK population, as well as Afghans who are resettling here'.
