New legal terrorism orders specifically for children should be brought in to tackle the growing numbers being arrested, the official adviser on terrorism law has told the government.
Ministers are studying plans that would result in children being compelled to accept help or face jail, devised by Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation.
The move comes as the number of children arrested has increased, mainly for lower-level terrorism offenses, such as sharing propaganda or downloading material. The rise has been fueled by growing internet use and an increase in terrorist propaganda available online, with children as young as 13 being arrested.