Six kids a day flagged as extremists under new anti-terror initiative
Half of those referred for de-radicalisation in the last year were under 18
SIX possible child extremists a day are being flagged up by an anti-terror initiative.
Under-18s made up half the 4,611 referrals under the de-radicalisation scheme in the past year.
Tough laws introduced last year to force councils and schools to report potential terrorists saw a 75 per cent leap in referrals to the Channel scheme, new figures show.
Channel, which is part of the government’s Prevent strategy, provides support to individuals who are identified as being risk of being drawn into terrorism.
In 2015 around 70 per cent of referrals were linked to Islamist-related extremism according to a government report published in July.
In the year to June 2016 there were 2,311 referrals relating to under-18s — an increase of 83% on the previous year.
352 of the children aged nine or under, 989 aged between 10 and 14 and 970 teenagers aged between 15 and 17 were flagged.
From July 1 last year local authorities including schools were placed under a legal requirement, known as the Prevent duty, to stop young people being radicalised.
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In the 12 months after the duty took effect referrals from schools climbed to 1,121, more than double the 537 in the previous year, statistics released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council showed.
As well as growing awareness of the duty, officials believe the rise in referrals may also reflect a response to world events such as the Paris attacks in November.
Jonathan Russell, head of policy at counter-extremism think tank Quilliam, said factors behind the rise in referrals could include the “increased visibility” of so-called Islamic State leading to more radicalisation.
He also claimed that the spike in referrals could be down to front line workers now being able to “spot the signs”.
Last night the Home Office said: “We have a duty to challenge, at every turn, the twisted narrative that has exploited some of our vulnerable young people.”
“Many referrals to the programme require no further action, some are referred to other services for support, while for others receiving support through Channel is the right option.
“Like safeguarding mechanisms for other risks such as child sexual exploitation, vulnerable children deserve to have the support they need.
“We will continue to work in partnership with communities of all backgrounds to challenge those who spread hatred and intolerance.”