Police offer hotline to parents concerned about harmful online content
The Met says more than half of referrals made to an anti-terror programme last year concerned under 18s
Police have urged parents to call an anti-terror hotline if they're worried about what their teenagers are watching online.
The Met says Netflix drama Adolescence has reignited concerns around misogynistic and hateful material circulation on social media.
The force has revealed more than half of referrals made to anti-terror programme Prevent last year concerned under 18s.
Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan, who is 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 into us, and in almost every instance, a big part of their vulnerability is coming from what they are doing, seeing and consuming online.
“But it’s actually those who aren’t being referred to us who most concern us.
"That’s why it is so important that parents and carers are taking an active interest in what their child is doing online - to have those conversations and be aware of the potential warning signs.
"And if following that, they are still concerned or worried about their child, then it’s really important they reach out for more help as quickly as possible."
The force said anyone concerned could ring the Act Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to speak with specially trained officers.
It also has a website: actearly.uk