Radicalisation at such a young age: a warning bell

I refer to the article, "Singaporean boy, 14, given ISA restriction order; first self-radicalisation case from mixed ideologies" (Sept 9).

- Foo Siang Yian

The news that a 14-year-old Singaporean boy has been issued with an Internal Security Act (ISA) Restriction Order for self-radicalisation should shake us out of complacency. It is not just his age that is worrying, but also the fact that his beliefs were drawn from a mix of violent Islamist and far-right ideologies. That a teenager can admire both Osama bin Laden and Adolf Hitler tells us how confused yet dangerous online radicalisation has become.

This is not an imported problem that happens "somewhere else." It is happening here, in our homes, schools and neighbourhoods, through the screens in our children's hands where algorithms funnel young users towards content that glamorises violence and hatred.