Counter terrorism police campaign teaches children how to react in an attack

Counter Terrorism Policing's safety campaign will teach 11-16 year olds how to react if they are caught in a gun or knife terror attack, including being told not to stop and use their phones until they are safely away from danger.

Counter Terrorism Policing have enlisted the support of celebrities from entertainment and sport to launch their first-ever safety campaign aimed at children and teenagers.

TV star Bear Grylls and England footballer Jamie Vardy are among the leading stars supporting the first phase of a new initiative.

The RUN, HIDE, TELL campaign teaches children to run if they are able to, hide if they are not, and tell police of the threat only when it is safe to do so. They will also be advised to warn others about an on-going threat, and crucially told not to stop and use their phones until they are safely away from danger.

Previous messaging has been aimed at adults, but following extensive research with children and young people, security experts from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) have created age-appropriate safety advice to engage and empower a younger audience.

NaCTSO have also teamed up with key partners such as the NSPCC, Childline, The Sun and Educate Against Hate, to help and support parents who are understandably anxious about discussing such a topic with their children.

“We appreciate that talking to young people about terrorism can be scary, for parents and children alike,” said the National Lead for Protective Security, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi.

“But the atrocities in London and Manchester have sadly resulted in some of the youngest victims of terror this country has ever seen, and if we are able to teach children to act in a way which could potentially save their lives then it is our responsibility to do so.

“We are particularly concerned when we see people – young and old – using their mobiles to film scenes when they should be moving away from the danger. The recent incident in Parsons Green is a good example of this.

“Our research showed that many young people think filming would be a good thing to provide evidence for police. We must get them to understand that the priority must be their safety.”

John Cameron, head of NSPCC Helplines, said: "Since April, Childline has already received more than 300 contacts from young people anxious about terrorism, so we know it's a child welfare issue that is impacting on their emotional wellbeing.

"Adults can help a child by listening to their worries, reassuring them these events are rare, and teaching them to Run, Hide, and Tell.

"Although these conversations might be difficult, the spate of devastating events means that they cannot be brushed under the carpet and we all have a duty to help every child stay safe."