Teachers should be helping to dissuade pupils from joining terrorist groups but should not spy on them, says the Government.
The Department for Children Schools and Families clarified the role of schools in a briefing note after a speech this week by Jonathan Evans, the new director of M15. He said terrorists were “methodically and intentionally” targeting young people to carry out attacks.
The department said there was no evidence extremists were at work in schools but “we do need to take steps to ensure young people are resilient to violent extremist propaganda”. It said it was not suggesting teachers spy on pupils. “Of course, where there are concerns about criminal activity, the police should be notified,” a spokesman said.
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