Do teenagers know their own minds at 15?

AS A 15-year-old, Shamima Begum showed she was vulnerable to brainwashing by terrorists. Other teenagers could be susceptible to political persuasion. But if campaigners had their way, 16-year-olds would be considered mature enough to make a political judgment at a General Election. Labour and Remainers want the voting age lowered. However, there is much justification to it being raised to 21 again. Yes, before 18 you are old enough to join the Armed Forces and fight your nation’s enemies, but that is with training and discipline. At 19, Shamima Begum still does not have the wit or wisdom to concede her betrayal and political naivety. J. R. MIZEN, Cannock, Staffs. I WOULD remind those with sympathy for Ms Begum that the age of criminal responsibility is ten. A. C. THOMPSON, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.

THE same people who want to reduce the voting age to 16 say Shamima Begum and her friends were silly little schoolgirls who didn’t know what they were doing. VERONICA POWELL, Caldicot, Mon. BRAIN science proves we are not fully mature until 21, confirming traditional wisdom. But if juvenile delinquents are not held fully responsible, then who should be? Surely it’s the parents. Does not the right to have children also bring a duty of care, otherwise what is the incentive for bad parents to make sure their children stick to the straight and narrow?

T. G. P. FLINN, Garvald, East Lothian.

WE ARE urged to lower the voting age to 16 while 19-year-olds are considered too young to realise they are being brainwashed. S. JONES, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.