SINGAPORE - Youths who make offensive remarks on race and religion may receive different intervention and penalties depending on the severity of the offence, Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Low Yen Ling said on Monday.

These include conditional warnings, probation, and placement in a juvenile rehabilitation centre, reformative training centre or prison.

Rehabilitation programmes for these youths may also include counselling them on the importance of respecting other races and religions.

They will also have the opportunity to interact with people from other communities through activities and community service, or be mentored by staff or volunteers.

"These measures encourage offenders to take responsibility for their actions and equip them with life skills to embark on constructive lifestyles," Ms Low said in Parliament.

She was responding to Nominated MP Kuik Shiao-Yin, who wanted to know the programmes in place to rehabilitate youths who make seditious remarks.

Families also play a crucial part in rehabilitating these youths, Ms Low added.