Darwin teen charged with terrorism offences as AFP reveals disturbing findings on child radicalisation

A Darwin teenager has been charged with terrorism-related offences just two days after Australia’s top cop warned boys as young as 12 were embracing a confusing mix of radical ideologies with only a superficial understanding of the beliefs they espoused.

The teen was due to appear in an NT children’s court on Thursday, accused of collecting documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act, possessing violent extremist material and possessing or controlling information about manufacturing firearms and explosives.

The investigation began earlier this month when Crime Stoppers received information about violent extremist material suspected of being posted online by an Australian user.

The tip-off prompted an investigation by the NT Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which comprises the Australian Federal Police, NT Police and ASIO.

Investigators allegedly discovered the Darwin teenager was operating various social media channels where he accessed, discussed and reposted violent extremist material.

Police executed search warrants in Darwin on Wednesday, seizing documents and multiple electronic devices allegedly containing extremist content and references to violent attacks.

An initial examination of the devices allegedly uncovered schematics for manufacturing 3D-printed firearms, along with instructional documents and manuals investigators will allege were likely to facilitate a terrorist act.

The teenager has been charged with one count of collecting or making documents likely to facilitate terrorist acts, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

He also faces one count of possessing violent extremist material obtained using a carriage service and one count of possessing or controlling firearms and explosives manufacturing material obtained or accessed using a carriage service.

Both offences carry maximum penalties of five years’ imprisonment.

NT Police Acting Commander Crime Mark Grieve said the allegations were particularly concerning because they involved extremist material and information about making firearms.

“The work of the JCTT shows the value of our agencies working closely together to identify potential threats and act quickly to keep the community safe,” he said.

“It is deeply concerning to see allegations of this nature involving a young person, particularly where violent extremist material and information about the manufacture of firearms is alleged to be involved.”

The arrest comes just two days after AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett revealed every child examined in a psychological analysis of 55 youth counter-terrorism cases had been radicalised online.

The research, covering cases investigated between 2020 and 2025, involved boys aged between 12 and 17 and revealed disturbing patterns in their ideological beliefs, family backgrounds and educational experiences.

Commissioner Barrett outlined the findings during a Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday.

“They were radicalised all, or in part, online,” she said.

The research found jihadist extremism was the most prevalent ideology, followed closely by anti-government, anti-authority and white supremacist beliefs.

But investigators found that over the past two years, fewer young people had presented with clearly defined ideological beliefs, while increasing numbers displayed a mixture of extremist views, inconsistent beliefs or only a superficial understanding of the ideologies they appeared to support.

Commissioner Barrett said some demonstrated increasing “ideological fluidity”.

The research also revealed that more than one-quarter did not have a stable male role model, while about one-third had witnessed or experienced violence from their caregivers.

Educational difficulties were common with 13 per cent having been suspended or expelled from primary school and more than one-third suspended or expelled from high school.

In three out of five cases, the young people had received support, treatment or intervention for a mental health condition.

However, Commissioner Barrett cautioned against assuming radicalisation was confined to troubled children or dysfunctional families.

There were also cases involving young people who had secure relationships with one or both caregivers.

“This shows kids who come from stable family environments and have few vulnerabilities are also becoming radicalised and manipulated,” she said.

“The research underscores that there is no single profile of a radicalised young person and no one pathway to violent extremism.”

Commissioner Barrett said the research was intended to be publicly released to help authorities and policymakers better understand warning signs and develop earlier interventions.

On Thursday AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson said authorities were increasingly concerned about the number of young people coming to their attention.

“It is well-documented that terrorists and violent extremists use the online environment to radicalise vulnerable individuals, and technology is enabling this to occur a rapidly increasing rate,” she said.

“The speed and scale of radicalisation is becoming one of our most significant challenges, especially when it comes to young people.”

Commander Hudson warned the consequences could extend well beyond policing unless more was done to protect children from extremist influences.

“We need a whole-of-society effort to provide the protective factors that keep our youth safe from radicalisation and manipulation – and find ways to ensure they can be resistant to these threats,” she said.

“Without a serious intervention, the risk is our justice systems, mental health systems, education systems and financial systems will become overwhelmed by youth victims and perpetrators.”