LONDON — The number of people referred to Britain's Prevent counter-radicalisation programme has reached a record high, according to newly released government figures, highlighting growing concerns around radicalisation among young people.

Almost 10,000 individuals were referred to Prevent between October 2024 and September 2025, representing a 37% increase from the previous year. The figures are the highest recorded in the available data series dating back to 2015.

Children aged 11 to 15 accounted for 36% of referrals, making them the largest age group in the latest statistics. The figures have renewed attention on how schools, families, police and community organisations identify potential signs of radicalisation at an early stage.

Prevent is designed to intervene before individuals become involved in terrorism or serious violence, although the programme has faced criticism over how referrals are assessed and handled.

The sharp increase is likely to fuel further debate about Britain's approach to online radicalisation, youth safeguarding and national security, particularly as children increasingly encounter political and extremist content through social media and online platforms.

Officials and security experts face a difficult balance between protecting vulnerable young people and ensuring that legitimate political or religious expression is not wrongly treated as a security concern.

The record figures are expected to intensify the national debate over how Britain can prevent radicalisation while protecting children and maintaining public confidence in its counter-terrorism strategy.