The Five Eyes intelligence alliance has sounded the alarm on the growing threat of violent extremism among young people, calling for a global effort to address the escalating issue.
The report, unveiled on 6 December 2024 by ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess AM and AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, marks the first public collaboration of Five Eyes agencies on this topic.
“The fact that the Five Eyes have chosen youth radicalisation for our first public research collaboration indicates how concerning, escalating, and pressing this challenge is,” said Mr Burgess.
The report, Young people and violent extremism: A call for collective action, highlights how online platforms and social isolation have created fertile ground for extremist recruitment. It warns that the average age of those drawn to violent ideologies is dropping, placing increased pressure on law enforcement and policymakers to intervene earlier.
“Minors can pose the same credible terrorist threat as adults, with some attracted to extremist content and ideologies – especially online,” the report states.
ASIO has revealed that around 20% of its priority counter-terrorism cases involve young people. “In every terrorist attack, disruption, and suspected incident in Australia this year, the alleged perpetrator was a young person,” Mr Burgess said.
Commissioner Kershaw echoed these concerns, noting that since 2020, the AFP and its partners have investigated 35 individuals aged 17 or younger, with some as young as 12. Over half of these cases have resulted in criminal charges.
Platforms such as Discord, Telegram, and TikTok are being exploited by extremists to share propaganda, with investigations finding the same materials across multiple unrelated cases.
The Five Eyes alliance – comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States – is urging governments, communities, and families to act collectively. ASIO and the AFP advocate for early intervention and prevention strategies, empowering parents, educators, and health professionals to identify and address early signs of radicalisation.
“Once ASIO and the AFP get involved, it’s often too late – the young person is already in a dark and dangerous place,” Mr Burgess warned.
Commissioner Kershaw emphasised the need to limit access to violent extremist material online and raise awareness among caregivers and educators. “Promoting education and awareness in protective roles is critical to maximising prevention and early intervention options,” he said.
The findings from the Five Eyes report will guide the Australian Government’s upcoming counter-terrorism and violent extremism strategy.
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