Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan says school teachers must be trained to spot radicalised behaviour among students and parents must guard their children against online terrorists just as they guard against internet paedophiles.
Mr Keenan said schools were part of the nation's front-line defences against home-grown terrorism and the government is introducing training to help teachers spot potential radicalised behaviour among students.
The minister declined to comment on media reports that police are investigating a 17-year-old Sydney high school student for allegedly preaching extremist Islamic views at his school.
He said schools were part of the front line defence against home-grown terror, as was vigilance among parents of their children's online activities.
"Just as parents and families have gained a greater understanding of the dangers posed by online sexual predators there needs to be an increased awareness of the threat from online terrorist groups," Mr Keenan said in an address to the Lowy Institute in Sydney on Friday.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch warned young people were highly susceptible to what they see as a "glamorous" and "exciting" lifestyle.
"If (adults) detect signs in their children, changes in behaviour (including) becoming increasingly isolated... they need to put their hand up and signal that they are concerned," he said in Sydney.
Mr Murdoch said police were investigating whether a Year 12 boy has been attempting to influence fellow students to adopt his extremist views.
Mr Murdoch could not say whether the student had been removed from Epping Boys High School over the preaching allegations.
"That's a matter for the department; I'm not aware of steps they've taken in response to the allegation," he said.
But he warned the school was "not unique".
In a statement published early on Friday, Epping Boys principal Tim O'Brien said school counsellors would be available to meet with concerned students.
"The school continues to be in close liaison with the Department of Education and a range of law enforcement agencies," he added.
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