A court has found a Canberra boy who pleaded guilty to possessing terrorist material was more likely driven by "teenage bravado" than any intention to commit a terrorist act.

The 17-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained on a carriage service after he was taken into custody late last year.

He was arrested when police found a large number of videos and messages on his phone and laptop depicting violent extremist acts, many of which were highly disturbing.

He had also sent messages to others requesting details about explosives.

Boy radicalised through 'self-directed exploration'

ACT Childrens Court Magistrate James Stewart noted the boy had become interested in terrorist activities without being influenced by others.

Magistrate Stewart

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