Children want to talk about terrorism

Ninety per cent of young people say they need opportunities to discuss the "taboo" subject of terrorism, a new survey has revealed.

The poll of 1,000 people aged between 11 and 25 found that 60 per cent felt unable to discuss terrorism with the police, while half of university attendees said bringing up these issues with academics was also out of the question.

Andy Hamflett, chief executive of the UK Youth Parliament, said: "Terrorism and violent extremism are shrouded in secrecy and [are] taboo subjects for many young people today.

"Whilst they are faced with a barrage of information about terrorism on the internet or through the media, all too often they feel they hit a wall of silence when it comes to discussing the issue openly in schools, universities and with the police." ....