Many youngsters here appear to be unaware of events occurring around the world, even though, with the aid of technology, news is easily available.

For instance, when I returned to school after the holidays, I learnt that a few of my schoolmates did not know about Brexit.

Current affairs are extremely crucial in today's society.

Any event could directly impact our lives.

The more exposed we are to the events happening around us, the more we can appreciate the complex issues involved and how they can affect our society.

In the case of Brexit, we should try to understand the views of the people in the United Kingdom, their frustrations with European regulations and restrictions, as well as the division between those who had little to lose and those who had much to lose.

The referendum could have larger implications for democracies all over the world, where income inequality has been increasingly seen, including in Singapore.

Ultimately, it is essential that young people develop a curiosity about the dynamic world we live in. Parents should encourage their children to read the news from a young age.

Schools could also allocate time for class discussions about current affairs to encourage students to stay up-to-date with the news.

Kate Yeo Jen-En, 14,

Secondary 3 student