Counter terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police have issued a stark warning to parents across the UK, urging them to stay vigilant for signs that their children may be vulnerable to radicalisation or being drawn into violent extremism.
The call to action follows the release of the powerful Netflix drama Adolescence, which depicts how schoolchildren can be lured into extremist ideologies. The fictional storyline has struck a chord with families and law enforcement alike, mirroring real concerns faced by counter-terrorism teams.
Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan, the Met’s London Prevent Co-ordinator, said the series had sparked “incredibly important debate” and reflected the growing challenge posed by online radicalisation.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Corrigan emphasised that open communication between parents and children is crucial, and encouraged parents to monitor their children’s online activity closely. She also pointed to the Act Early website—a government-backed resource—for practical advice and access to a confidential support line manned by specially trained officers.
Her comments come as statistics reveal a worrying trend. In 2023 and 2024, 43 and 39 under-18s respectively were arrested for terrorism-related offences—up from just three such arrests in 2002. Prevent referrals show a similar spike, with nearly 60% of all referrals in 2023/24 involving minors, compared to around 50% in 2016/17.
Despite the rise, Corrigan stressed that actual radicalisation cases remain rare but highlighted the dangers of complacency.
“It is still only a very small proportion of young people who may actually be affected, but parents must not be fooled into thinking that this is something that only happens to others,” she said.
“We’ve had referrals and provided support through Prevent to a whole range of children, relating to a whole mix of different ideologies.”
Prevent is a national safeguarding programme designed to stop vulnerable individuals from being drawn into terrorism. It operates through collaboration between police and other safeguarding agencies, offering tailored support to those at risk.
The police also reminded the public to report any terrorist or extremist online content they come across via gov.uk/ACT.
Anyone with concerns about a young person can visit the Act Early website or call the support line on 0800 011 3764 for free, confidential advice.
