YouTuber Humza Arshad has teamed up with counter-terrorism police to stop children being drawn into extremism and gang crime.
Arshad, 34, produced the film Hate with officers. It will be shown in 16 secondary schools and sixth forms across eight boroughs from today.
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command will talk to pupils about themes highlighted by the 12-minute video.
Streatham-born Arshad is best known for his Diary Of A Badman series on YouTube.
He narrates Hate, which tells the story of two men driven to violence, showing how futile it is. The film addresses racism, extremism, Islamophobia and radicalisation.
Arshad said today: “I don’t think I’ve lived in such a divisive and dangerous time as what we’ve seen over the past year.
“From the mosque attacks in New Zealand to losing a friend to a knife attack, as a human being I’ve felt the impact of intolerance and senseless violence.
“I’m pleased to partner with the Met to address these topics head-on with the people that are most affected: the young. We’ve got work to do.”
After watching Hate, students aged 14 to 18 have the opportunity to talk about real-life cases with officers.
Commander Richard Smith, head of Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We believe our presentations at schools will be key to helping vulnerable young people set their minds against hate and violence.”
For help and advice about the risks of radicalisation visit: ltai.info
