The AFP is concerned about the increasing prevalence of young people accessing violent extremist material and propaganda online, leading to an increasing threat of youth radicalisation.
The AFP is urging parents to be aware of who their children are communicating with online, what online games they are playing and what they are viewing and accessing online - especially given many young people will be given tech for Christmas.
Between January 2020 and 18 December 2024, the AFP alongside its JCTT partners, have commenced investigations and conducted operational activity in relation to 37 individuals that were 17 years old or younger, with the youngest being 12 years old.
Fifty-seven per cent of these individuals were charged with Commonwealth or state-based offences.
The JCTTs are located across the country and are comprised of the AFP, ASIO, state or territory police, and - in NSW - the NSW Crime Commission.
Within the JCTT youth caseload, investigators are witnessing the same extremist propaganda videos in multiple unrelated investigations and shared across platforms such as Discord, Telegram and TikTok.
Other extremist content being shared online include hate speech and extremist propaganda, along with instruction manuals, misinformation, fake news and far right-wing extremism material.
In content reviewed by the JCTT's, investigators have identified that the violent extremist posts on social media, forums and end-to-end encryption messaging services being shared are mostly visual and depict violence or negative imagery.
This is a common tactic criminal actors use to heighten an emotional response from their followers and often used to incite group action, violence or terrorism.
AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigation Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the AFP was concerned that the increased volume of material posted online, and being uploaded and accessed by young people, could have serious consequences for the community.
"We are seeing more children accessing extremist material and this increases the risk of those children being radicalised and joining terrorist organisations, or engaging in acts of terrorism,'' Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
"Combatting youth radicalisation requires a joined and coordinated approach that encompasses law enforcement, government departments (including education and health), private sector, industry, academia and the community.
"Family and friends play an incredibly important role in providing support to young people who may be vulnerable to online radicalisation.
"Police believe extremist groups are targeting vulnerable and young individuals online for radicalisation, as they are more susceptible to being influenced. We know that these extremists are preying on children in the same way that child sex offenders attempt to groom children.
"We urge parents and carers to encourage conversation with their children about online safety and to be aware of what their children are doing online including being aware of any signs of radicalisation to help support them."
Since January 2024, it is an offence to use the internet or mobile network to access, share, advertise, promote or solicit violent extremist material and possess or control violent extremist material. The maximum penalty 5 years' imprisonment. Additionally, the Criminal Code Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2003 (Cth) makes it an offence to possess materials connected with a terrorist act, or to collect or make documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act. The maximum penalty for the offence is 25 years' imprisonment.
A priority for the AFP is to limit the accessibility of violent extremist material and promote education and awareness for those in protective roles, including parents, educators and health care providers, to maximise prevention and early intervention options. The AFP supports the increase in accountability by internet service providers and social media corporations to take action against the removal of violent extremist material online.
Signs that a child may be susceptible to radicalisation include:
- distancing themselves from their usual friends and family members;
- an increase in the extremist nature of their rhetoric or propaganda they propagate;
- your child using hateful or emotionally-charged language;
- developing a fixation on conspiracy theories or contentious social issues;
- displaying extreme reaction to certain news or politics, or
- spending increasing amounts of time in fringe forums on the internet.
The AFP, alongside JCTT partners, continues to remain vigilant and ready to respond to threats of radicalisation or extremism among vulnerable youth.
If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or local police (131 444). If you suspect your child is being radicalised online or in person, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 1234 00.
For anonymous reporting, visit the Crime Stoppers website or call the toll free number 1800 333 000.
