Prevent Watch submitted evidence privately to the Children’s Commissioner specifically outlining the harms of Prevent on children. Our submission highlighted that: 36% of referrals in the year ending March 2025 came from the school sector (nursery, primary, secondary schools and sixth form colleges). Around half of all referrals (49%) were between the ages of 11-17, with 4% being under the age of 10. Once referred to Prevent, even though no crime has been committed or even conceived, children are involved in the criminal justice system. This includes possible interview by CT police without the safeguards provided by PACE 1984, such as the presence of a parent or guardian. Subsequent to a referral, notwithstanding the outcome, their information will be kept on several police databases for a minimum of six years and up to 100 years, and until age 25 on social services databases, impacting their education and career. Not only […]