What you share leaves a trace
Thank you for your interest in our What You Share Leaves A Trace campaign after seeing one of our videos online. Below you will find more information on the campaign, including:
- what terrorist content is
- what the consequences are for creating or sharing it
- what to do if you do come across it
- where you can go to for further help
What are the consequences of sharing terrorist content?
Depending on the case, the consequences of being convicted under the Terrorism Act as a child can include:
- Sentences in prison or young offenders’ institutions depending on age
- Community orders, including tagging, curfews and restrictions on movements
- Confiscation of electronic devices including phones, tablets, consoles and computers
- Long-term restrictions on travel to some foreign countries
- Impacts on opportunities to attend college or university and gain qualifications
- Impacts on being able to get a job
What is terrorist offending and terrorist content?
Terrorism is the use or threat of violence in order to achieve political, religious or ideological change.
In 2024 39 young people aged 17 or under were arrested for terrorism-related offences in the UK.
Being convicted of a terrorism-related crime listed under the Terrorism Act usually means stronger punishments are applied than other types of offending.
Terrorist-related offending can include:
- displaying the signs, symbols and slogans of terrorist groups
- creating extremist content that celebrates terrorists or terrorist groups
- sharing extremist content that celebrates terrorists or terrorist groups
- encouraging other people to commit terrorist crimes
- threatening acts of violence for terrorist causes online.
Terrorist content is content that would be illegal under the Terrorism Act if you were to create, share or celebrate it, or use it to threaten other people. It might include images of graphic violent acts being committed for terrorist causes; the signs, symbols or slogans of terrorist groups; or encouraging other people to commit terrorist crimes.
If you suspect you have been sent terrorist or any illegal content don’t open it or share it. Report it.
Where can I report terrorist content?
Where can I get more information?
- ACT Early – Advice for parents, carers and others about what to do if you are concerned about friends or family being at risk of radicalisation
- Educate Against Hate – Advice and resources for teachers and schools on extremism and radicalisation
- Childline – Direct counselling and advice for children on a wide range of issues. 0800 1111
- Counter Terrorism Policing – more information about who Counter Terrorism Policing are and what they do.
- The Crime Agents podcast – The secret world of child terrorists episode
- Your Police (Instagram)
- UK Safer Internet Centre advice on staying safe online
Always call 999 in an emergency
What is the What You Share Leaves A Trace campaign?
Counter Terrorism Policing’s What You Share Leaves A Trace campaign is aimed at 13 to 17 year-old boys at risk of being caught up in terrorist offending. It has been designed in response to increasing numbers of teenage boys being arrested for and convicted of terrorist offences in the UK, often connected to accessing and sharing extremist content on social media.
The campaign centres on two videos. One for younger teens (13 to 15 years old) and another one for older teens (16 to 17). The aim is to educate boys about the risks of extremist content and empower them to make smart decisions for themselves. Both videos focus on the real world consequences of sharing terrorist content, such as losing their devices, travel restrictions, and long term impacts on education, jobs and family.
Where is the campaign running?
The campaign is on TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube as we know they are where large numbers of teenage boys spend their time, and are most effective at delivering messages to this audience.