Police chiefs have warned children and teenagers to flee the scene of a terrorist attack rather than using their smartphones to take photos or record video. The warning is part of a new campaign aimed at ensuring young people know the key safety steps to follow if caught up in a terrorist incident.
Officers highlighted the recent episode at Parsons Green, where images of a partially exploded bomb on a tube train were posted online within minutes. Met police deputy assistant commissioner Lucy D’Orsi said: “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 UK’s counter-terrorism police network is calling for the “run, hide, tell” message to be routinely taught in schools as part of the national curriculum. The campaign is the first of its kind and includes a version of the advice specifically for children and teenagers, emphasising not to stop and use phones until safely away from danger.
Britain faces an unprecedented threat after a wave of atrocities in 2017, including the Manchester bombing, which targeted a pop concert packed with young fans. D’Orsi added: “The atrocities in London and Manchester have sadly resulted in some of the youngest victims of terror this country has ever seen.”
The campaign is supported by celebrities including TV adventurer Bear Grylls and England footballer Jamie Vardy. A “run, hide, tell” emoji has been created. The NSPCC reported receiving 300 contacts from young people anxious about terrorism since April, with helpline head John Cameron urging adults to listen to children’s worries and teach them the safety steps.
