Parents neglecting children should face sanctions – Expert

By Mayen Etim, Kaduna

A social welfare expert and rehabilitation advocate, Dr. Jeremiah Aluwong, has called for stricter measures against parents who fail to take responsibility for their children, arguing that parental neglect is contributing to rising cases of drug abuse, delinquency and other anti-social behaviours among young people.

Dr. Aluwong, who works with the Light Work and Mission International Recovery and Skill Acquisition Center in Sabo Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, made the call during a media chat in Kaduna at the weekend.

The scholar, pastor and social welfare worker said Nigeria’s social welfare system should be strengthened to hold parents accountable for the upbringing and welfare of their children.

“I hope the social welfare system in Nigeria can be strengthened so that parents who fail to pay attention to their children face some form of sanction. Perhaps that will make more parents take their responsibilities seriously,” he said.

According to him, the centre provides rehabilitation, recovery and skills acquisition programmes for individuals battling drug addiction, as well as former cultists, gang members and other vulnerable youths seeking to rebuild their lives.

He noted that many of those who pass through the centre have successfully reintegrated into society, returned to school, secured employment and, in some cases, started families of their own.

Drawing from his experience working with troubled youths, Dr. Aluwong said parental neglect remains one of the major factors driving young people into drug abuse and criminal activities.

He observed that many children are left unsupervised for long periods, exposing them to harmful influences and increasing their vulnerability to substance abuse and crime.

“In many cases, we see children roaming the streets late into the night without any parental supervision. Some parents do not even know where their children are or what they are doing,” he said.

The welfare worker lamented that his organisation often assumes responsibilities that should ordinarily be handled by parents, including providing medical care, counselling and mentorship for vulnerable children.

“We have young boys attending our Bible clubs and discipleship programmes whose parents are largely absent from their lives. Sometimes when these children fall sick, we have to take responsibility for their treatment and welfare,” he said.

Dr. Aluwong warned that neglected children are more likely to fall prey to drug dealers and criminal elements, noting that addiction often pushes young people into theft and other unlawful activities to sustain their habits.

“It is possible that some of those involved in anti-social activities within communities are young people struggling with addiction. Once addiction takes hold, some individuals are willing to steal or engage in criminal acts to fund their lifestyles,” he said.

The expert stressed that the challenge is not unique to Nigeria, describing drug abuse as a global problem with devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities.

“Drugs destroy lives. Crime destroys lives. Around the world, there are countless examples of talented people whose futures were ruined because of substance abuse,” he said.

He urged parents to become more involved in the lives of their children and called on government agencies responsible for social welfare and child protection to introduce policies that promote responsible parenting.

Aluwong also encouraged individuals battling addiction to seek professional help, assuring that recovery and rehabilitation remain possible with the right support.

“The good news is that help is available,” he said. “At the Light Work and Mission International Recovery and Skills Acquisition Center, we are committed to helping people recover from addiction, acquire skills and rebuild their lives.”

He emphasized that tackling drug abuse and youth delinquency requires a collective effort involving families, communities, religious institutions and government agencies working together to protect and guide the younger generation.