Health
Lagos links domestic violence, delinquency to weak parenting
Ayoola Babalola
The Lagos State Government has called on parents and caregivers to adopt intentional and positive parenting practices to curb rising social problems, warning that many cases of domestic violence, substance abuse, bullying and juvenile delinquency originate from poor family relationships.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, made the call during a recently organised parenting programme organised by the ministry in Lagos, where she urged families to become more deliberate in raising emotionally healthy and morally responsible children.
The programme, themed “Transforming Families Through Positive and Intentional Parenting,” brought together parents, caregivers, child protection advocates and other stakeholders to examine practical strategies for strengthening families and improving child development.
Speaking at the event, Dada described the family as the first institution where children acquire values, attitudes and character, stressing that parenting extends far beyond meeting children’s material needs.
“The home is where children first develop their values, attitudes and character. Every word we speak, every action we take and every example we set contributes to the kind of adults our children eventually become,” she said.
According to her, parents must intentionally instil discipline, empathy, respect and emotional stability in their children to prepare them for responsible adulthood.
Dada expressed concern over the growing influence of technology and social media on young people, saying many children were increasingly exposed to cyberbullying, harmful content and unhealthy peer pressure.
“While technology offers enormous opportunities for learning and innovation, parents must take a greater interest in their children’s online activities. We must maintain open communication and provide the guidance they need to make responsible choices,” she said.
She urged parents to create homes where children feel safe, respected, loved and heard, adding that patient guidance remains essential to healthy emotional development.
The commissioner said many societal challenges could be traced to weak parenting and unhealthy family environments.
“Domestic violence, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, bullying and other forms of anti-social behaviour often have their roots in unhealthy family relationships and inadequate parental guidance.
“Strengthening parenting practices is one of the most effective ways of building safer communities,” she said.
Dada reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to supporting families through policies and interventions that promote child protection and family welfare.
She said the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, through its Domestic Violence Unit, would continue to provide education and support programmes that strengthen family relationships and promote responsible parenting.
Delivering a presentation at the programme, Executive Director of the Women’s Rights and Health Project, Bose Ironsi, said effective parenting should be built on trust, communication and mutual respect rather than fear or intimidation.
“Parents are the first advocates of their children. Parenting should never be driven by power or control but by love, trust and open communication,” she said.
Ironsi warned against harsh parenting methods and the excessive use of negative language, saying such approaches could have long-term emotional consequences for children.
She also urged both fathers and mothers to remain actively involved in their children’s upbringing, expressing concern over the increasing number of absent parents.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Rianat Onigbanjo, described the family as a child’s first classroom, where values such as love, discipline, compassion, integrity and responsibility are learnt.
She encouraged participants to apply the lessons from the programme in their homes, saying stronger families would ultimately translate into a safer and more prosperous Lagos.
“The family is the first school where children learn love, respect, responsibility and integrity. Every family built on patience, understanding and mutual respect contributes to a more peaceful society,” she said.
Onigbanjo also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting programmes that promote family development, child protection and social inclusion.
The programme ended with participants receiving practical guidance on positive parenting and information on support services available through the ministry’s Domestic Violence Unit, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, the Office of the Public Defender, the Child Protection Network and the Women’s Rights and Health Project.
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