UK Introduces Youth Internet Restrictions to Combat Online Radicalisation

New counter-terrorism orders will target children at risk of extremism, with measures including online restrictions and mandatory intervention programs.

Youth diversion orders will allow courts to impose restrictions on internet and social media use for children at risk of radicalisation.
The orders will require participation in deradicalisation programs like Prevent and may include psychiatric support to address mental health vulnerabilities.
The move follows a 67% increase in arrests of children for terrorism-related offences, with under-18s now accounting for 19% of such arrests in the UK.
The Home Office aims to intervene earlier in cases of online radicalisation, which increasingly targets children aged 11 to 15 and those with no clear ideological alignment.
The government also announced increased funding for counter-terrorism initiatives, including £140 million for police and £499 million for intelligence agencies.