A Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs Ayomide Ajayi, has attributed the surge in social vices in the society to poor parenting.
She made the assertion in an interview with our correspondent in Lagos on Sunday.
According to her, improper parenting skills breed generations of criminals who wreak havoc in the society.
“Some untrained children engage in criminal activities, such as cultism, violence, cyber crimes, robbery, drug abuse, ritual killings among other societal ills.
“Criminality among teenagers and youths have contributed to the alarming rate of insecurity in the society.”
Ajayi said that some parents have abandoned their parental roles to their househelps in pursuit of money.
“Some homes have failed in their roles as many parents pour more of their time and energy on trying to make ends meet, as a result, neglect their noble duties.”
The legal practitioner urged parents to wake up to their responsibilities by ensuring good moral upbringing of their children.
“No matter how busy you may be, find time to imbibe good values in the children so that the amount of crime in the society will be reduced.
“Children who are guided, molded, and shown love by their parents are less likely to become involved in crime.
“Parents must also be observant and sensitive to what their children are doing, what they are reading, watching and the company they keep.
“They should build a friendly relationship with their children, once communication channel is open, the children can trust and open up to them on any issue.
“The earlier we redirect the steps of our children by teaching them the right thing and letting them know the dangers associated with committing crime, the better for all of us,” she said.