The main characteristic of youngsters is their fresh minds, akin to a blank canvas (Youth vulnerable to online radical ideology: Teo Chee Hean; ST Online, June 14).

This makes them vulnerable to extremist ideologies.

Having stricter laws on the Internet and banning websites that contain certain words or phrases will not prevent such cases.

In fact, it would not be surprising if tech-savvy youngsters find their way through loopholes to browse the restricted websites.

Education is a much wiser measure. More often than not, youngsters do not know when they are being brainwashed or fed extreme ideologies.

Youngsters need to be taught to be more aware of what they see on the Internet. They need a strong grounded belief on what is right, so they will not be swayed by extremist ideology.

The Asatizah Recognition Scheme to ensure that religious teachers are credible is a good move, but it does not ensure that youngsters are on the right path.

Hence, terrorism and radicalism should be addressed during religious classes, so youngsters know the danger of extremism and to keep their guards up.

Wong Wee Jern, 16, Secondary 4 student