Australian Federal Police data shows a sharp spike in children being prosecuted for counterterrorism offences, with the force warning children are exposed to violent extremist material within 23 minutes of going online.

Australian Federal Police say 32 of the 37 youths prosecuted for counterterrorism offences since 2020 were charged in the past two years.

Two children were charged with terrorism-related offences in Darwin last week for plotting to carry out a mass casualty event.

Police are urging parents, educators, and local communities to watch for early signs of online radicalisation.