London launches back-to-school online extremism training

Pupils returning to London schools this fall will undergo training to identify and resist online extremism. The initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Sadiq Khan, aims to combat misinformation, prejudice, and intolerance in the city's communities and digital spaces. The Shared Endeavour Fund has allocated £875,000 ($1.2 million) for various projects, including workshops organized by Tech Against Terrorism.

Adam Hadley, founder and CEO of the non-profit online extremism campaign, emphasized that a significant number of individuals radicalized into terrorism are young people. Tech Against Terrorism's practical, hands-on workshop program seeks to equip children and teachers with critical reasoning skills to challenge extremist content they might encounter online. Hadley explained that their content is not primarily ideological but rather nihilistic, targeting those fascinated by extreme violence.

The UK's Prevent counter-radicalization program faced scrutiny when Southport attacker Axel Rudakubana, who had an obsession with extreme violence, was referred to it multiple times, but his case was closed due to the absence of a distinct ideology. Hadley highlighted the worrying trend of increased violent extremism among children, often radicalized online, without aligning with a traditional ideology.

Tech Against Terrorism's recent report analyzed how 27 AI models responded to terrorism and violent-extremist content, revealing that while many declined to provide information, a few were reckless in their responses. This year has seen a rise in arson attacks, primarily targeting Jewish sites, including a synagogue incident involving a 17-year-old who pleaded guilty. Another 17-year-old faces charges for an arson attack on a Jewish ambulance service.

Funding will also support the Stand UP! Education Against Discrimination project, run jointly by Jewish and Muslim facilitators to promote understanding and challenge prejudice. This initiative, led by the Community Security Trust (CST) and Tell Mama, will conduct classroom workshops on anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hate. The Thoughtful project, which trains teachers to equip young people with skills to reject hate, intolerance, and extremist ideologies, will also receive funding.

Mayor Khan pointed to statistics showing a 24% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in London, with Tell Mama reporting more incidents in the first six months of 2026 than in all of 2023. The Shared Endeavour Fund aims to provide individuals with the tools to recognize and stand up against hate and intolerance, fostering a safer London for everyone.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing in London, noted that officers are encountering record numbers of children, requiring a coordinated effort from schools, local authorities, government, families, community organizations, and the charity sector to identify risks early and provide appropriate support before harm occurs.