Young people urged NOT to film terror attacks as this excellent campaign tells them to Run, Hide and Tell

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Survival expert Bear Grylls and England striker Jamie Vardy are among a host of celebrities who are fronting a new counter-terror campaign which advises young people what to do in the event of an attack.

With five terrorist incidents taking place in recent months, the authorities are issuing new guidance to keep children and teenagers safe if they caught up in a marauding gun or knife attack.

One of the key messages being given to youngsters is to not hang around and take pictures on their phones if they see something unfolding.

With the UK terror threat level at severe, children are being told run, if they are able to, hide if they are not and tell the police once it is safe to do so.

A new Run, Hide, Tell video is being released featuring Grylls, Vardy, England rugby star, James Haskell.

Bear Grylls said: “I’ve tackled some of the most dangerous environments on earth, but in the event of a terrorist attack there is only one thing I would advise: Run, Hide, Tell.”

Double Olympic Taekwondo gold medallist, Jade Jones, also appears in the video, telling youngsters that when there is a terror attack: “Real champions run.”

It is the first time a specific counter terror message has been aimed at children and it is hoped it will help empower young people who are anxious about the ongoing threat from extremists.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi, who is the national lead for protective security, said: “We appreciate that talking to young people about terrorism can be scary, for parents and children alike.”

“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.”

Bear Grylls said: “I’ve tackled some of the most dangerous environments on earth, but in the event of a terrorist attack there is only one thing I would advise: Run, Hide, Tell.”

The campaign launch will be followed in October by a second, longer, video, designed to explain the ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ messaging, and also teach children how to spot and report suspicious behaviour or suspicious items.

Later phases of the campaign will then launch this messaging across youth groups such as the Scouts, Guides and Cadets, before finally being made part of the citizenship curriculum of formal education at schools and colleges.

Click on my article to find out more age and stage related tips.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Terrorism

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