A psychologist, Mrs Nneka Dim, has charged parents to always inculcate social family values in their children so as to have a crime free society.
Dim, who was formally with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu.
She said that social family values were losing ground at a much greater pace than any other societal phenomenon in Nigeria.
According to her, the family as an institution, has to play a greater role with greater responsibility in making its values perpetual for our society to be a better place.
She noted that the decrease in the family values had resulted in a failed society, as quite a number of Nigerian youths had been involved in cultism, drug abuse, armed robbery, rituals among others as part of life.
“The parents should be committed to their roles in the families as these matter a lot for the personality development of children.
“Generally, family values pertain to the family’s structure, function, roles, beliefs, attitudes, and relevant ideals.
“Examples of such values include: peace, justice, freedom, equality, not hurting others and also standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
“Being respectful and courteous in your interactions and volunteering time and skills in the society,” she said.
She added that “parenting is one of such important areas which deserves attention, because children at an appropriate age usually reflect the values imbibed during childhood,” she said.
According to her, parents, who are the first agents of socialisation, should always put an eye on their children by spending their time with them; to know their characters and those they associate with.
Dim called on religious leaders, parents and guardians to bring up their children and wards in line with the family core values, as this would help in rebuilding the society positively. (NAN)