Australian teen extremism cases rise sharply, police warn
The Guardian reported that most people charged with the new federal offence of possessing violent extremist material are under 18.
The Guardian reported that most people charged with the new federal offence of possessing violent extremist material are under 18. Australian federal police have warned of a surge in teen extremism, noting that 32 of the 37 young people prosecuted in counter‑terrorism cases since 2020 were charged in the past two years. One expert told the paper that “young people are being found with ‘hard drives full of what can only be described as gore’.” The sharp increase in teenage prosecutions suggests a growing trend of minors accessing and distributing extremist content, prompting authorities to focus on prevention and enforcement measures.
Why it matters
The rise in teen extremism cases signals a widening pool of young people involved in violent extremist material, raising concerns for community safety and the need for targeted interventions.
Key details
- Location
- Australia · Oceania
- Reported by
- The Guardian
- First reported
- Key names
- Guardian Australia, Australian
- Section
- World
Sources
This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:
Read the full story at The GuardianSpotted an error? Request a correction · How this summary was produced
Related Stories
Mortgage repayments are now cheaper than rent in some Australian suburbs. Is yours among them?
Guardian Australia’s analysis of Cotality data shows that median rents in inner-city Melbourne, suburban Canberra and Darwin are now nearly matching…
Australia captain Cummins says Khawaja’s sandpaper claims are wrong
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins addressed the allegations made in Usman Khawaja’s book about the 2018 ball‑tampering scandal during a press…
Australian teen missing in bush for six days rescued alive
The 17-year-old's mum has joked that he is "grounded for life" and "never leaving the house again".
Australian teen who went missing in bushland wearing only shorts and boots found alive after six days
Police AirWing found William, 17, whose surname has not been shared, on Thursday morning.
18-year-old pleads guilty to killing 16-year-old in Leeds over dispute about a man
An 18‑year‑old woman has pleaded guilty to murdering a 16‑year‑old girl in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Russian warship hit by Ukrainian drone in Gulf of Finland
The attack is thought to be the first time Ukrainian drones have attacked a Russian ship in an open stretch of the Baltic Sea.
Trump says no deal needed on Iran war and orders Vance to focus on domestic issues
President says vice-president will focus on supposed ‘Massive Corruption and Crime taking place in Democrat run Cities and States’ US politics live…
Putin says Russia will target foreign troops in Ukraine amid Starlink disruptions
The Guardian reported that Vladimir Putin warned US negotiators that Russia would target any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine.