New Powers Aim to Curb Youth Radicalisation by Restricting Online Access

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Teenagers suspected of involvement in terrorism could face bans from online messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram as part of a new government effort to tackle the rising threat of youth radicalisation. The proposed measures, under the framework of Youth Diversion Orders, aim to prevent vulnerable young people from being drawn into extremist ideologies.  

 

Counter-terrorism police would be granted the authority to impose restrictions on the digital activities of minors deemed at risk. These restrictions would not involve a blanket ban on internet access but could prohibit visits to specific websites, online forums, or the use of messaging applications linked to radicalisation. The final decision on such restrictions would rest with the judiciary, which must determine their necessity and proportionality in managing risks.  

 

The Home Office has also confirmed that under the new scheme, officers could mandate participation in the Prevent counter-extremism programme. This initiative is designed to educate and rehabilitate individuals at risk of being influenced by extremist views.  

 

The announcement follows alarming revelations from MI5 Director General Ken McCallum about the growing number of minors engaging with "poisonous online extremism." He described the trend as "staggering," highlighting that under-18s now account for 13 percent of all individuals under investigation by security services.  

 

This issue has also drawn concern from the international intelligence community. The Five Eyes security alliance, comprising the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, recently expressed alarm over the increasing radicalisation of minors, including cases where young people have supported, planned, or attempted terrorist activities.  

 

A Home Office spokesperson explained, “Police will be able to apply to the Courts for a Youth Diversion Order, permitting them—in partnership with other agencies—to intervene earlier and to impose conditions such as engagement with Prevent interventions or restrictions on online activity. The Courts must deem these conditions to be necessary and proportionate to mitigate terrorist risk.”  

 

These measures build on recommendations by Jonathan Hall KC, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, who has raised concerns about the decreasing age of alleged terrorist offenders. He has emphasized that many of these young individuals could be classified as vulnerable.  

 

Welcoming the initiative, Hall stated, “Good to see government statement on designing new measures to divert young people involved in terrorism away from arrest and prosecution.” His observations underline the urgent need for strategies to address this growing issue in a way that prioritizes rehabilitation over punitive action.  

 

As the government and security agencies grapple with the complexities of tackling extremism among minors, these proposed measures mark a significant step toward addressing the digital pathways that lead to radicalisation. The hope is that by intervening early and focusing on education and support, these efforts can help steer vulnerable young people away from the dangerous grip of extremist ideologies.

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-12-19