Moral decadence epitomizes the erosion of ethical values and societal norms that guide individuals. It signifies a decline in the standards of moral conduct and the emergence of diluted benchmarks for ethics and justice. In essence, it signifies a departure from the fundamental principles that once demanded heartfelt dedication to moral norms.
The Nigerian youth represents the future of the nation, much like how children symbolize the youth of tomorrow. However, the Nigerian mass media has been awash with reports highlighting an increase in negative behaviors exhibited by teenagers both within and outside educational institutions. Our society is struggling with a distressing surge in various forms of criminal activities. Armed robbery syndicates have seen a sharp increase, posing a significant threat to public safety. Furthermore, the spread of internet fraudulence activities has become a pervasive issue, causing financial harm and undermining trust in online transactions. Not to be carelessly overlooked is the fact that the menace of terrorism continues to cast a shadow, as acts of violence and destruction persist. Is this a legacy worthy to be passed from generation to generation?
Extensive research studies have shed light on a prevailing perception regarding a significant proportion of Nigerian youths engaging in social vices. These behaviors are often attributed to a deviant lifestyle that contradicts the morally upright cultural values. In many cases, it is believed that these values are passed down to them by their parents, thus influencing their choices and actions.
While some place responsibility on teachers for their role in shaping the moral compass of the youth, parental abandonment has emerged as the most substantial factor contributing to the prevalent moral decadence witnessed in our society today. The absence of parental guidance and support has created a void in the upbringing of young individuals, leaving them susceptible to negative influences and moral deviations.
Many children are caught up in this trap where they have been left alone. Where are the parents? Maybe it’s high time they come home and be parents. Parents are the child’s first teachers. Before formal education begins, parents hold the key to training and shaping their children, instilling values and essential skills that will shape their future. During the formative years of a child, their mind is like a blank canvas, highly impressionable and receptive to the information and values they are exposed to. If a child’s mind becomes saturated with immorality during this critical period, it becomes exceedingly challenging to rectify their behavior later on.
The disintegration of the family unit has reached a critical stage, and alarmingly, it appears that authorities are overlooking this pressing issue. The repercussions of this breakdown are dire for humanity as a whole. When families fail to fulfill their fundamental purpose, the consequences are felt throughout society. One of the most significant casualties is the loss of intimacy and genuine connection for children left to figure out the world alone. Moreover, parents themselves are struggling to establish meaningful connections both with each other and with their children. The family institution, which should provide a nurturing environment brimming with intimacy, has regrettably become a mere coexistence of disconnected individuals.
In several families, the responsibility of parenting has increasingly fallen upon house helps and maids. With both parents departing for work early in the morning, the child is left under the care of these individuals. By the time the parents return home late at night, the child has already retired to bed. Consequently, the child’s waking hours rarely align with those of the parents, preventing meaningful engagement and guidance.
While it is true that teachers bear some responsibility for addressing youth immorality, it is essential for parents to recognize that the child’s time spent at school is relatively limited, amounting to around eight hours per day. The majority of the child’s waking hours are actually spent at home. It is worth noting that teachers may hesitate to discipline a child when they fear potential backlash from parents, which can hinder their efforts to instill discipline effectively. This is terribly disheartening! Some parents are oblivious to the fact that their children view them as role models. They fail to recognize that children are perceptive and tend to mimic the behavior they witness. When parents openly engage in immoral behaviours in the presence of their child, it becomes challenging for anyone, including the parents themselves, to justify punishing the child when they inevitably replicate these actions.
The consequences of moral degradation in our present society are far-reaching. This is a heartfelt appeal to parents, to prioritize quality time with their children and demonstrate unwavering support and attentiveness to even the most seemingly insignificant aspects that hold immense significance for their young minds. It is crucial for parents to understand that their behavior serves as a blueprint for their child’s development and that they bear the responsibility of setting a positive example that fosters moral growth and ethical decision-making.
Nigeria, as a nation, has traditionally embraced an ideology and upheld a tradition of reverence for morality. Certain attitudes exhibited by contemporary Nigerians are incongruent with our cultural heritage. It is time for us to reflect on these shifts and work towards restoring the values and principles that have defined our cultural identity for generations. Through conscious efforts, parents can strive to rebuild a society that honors its cultural heritage and upholds the principles that have shaped our nation. As soon as we realize that we need a morally sound society in order to solve all our problems in this nation, it becomes imperative to prioritize and invest in the proper moral upbringing of our future generations.
Sources
