By Moshood Karim
Moral decadence among youths is a growing problem in our society today. It is a situation where young people, who are expected to uphold high moral values and standards, engage in immoral activities such as drug abuse, alcoholism, premarital sex, pornography, and other vices that are detrimental to their physical, emotional, and psychological health.
Solving moral decadence among youths requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes and provides sustainable solutions to the problem.
Firstly, education is a critical tool in solving moral decadence among youths. The educational system should emphasize the teaching of moral values and ethics in schools. The curriculum should include subjects such as moral education, civic education, and character development, which will teach young people the importance of moral values such as honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, and compassion.
Education should be holistic, teaching young people to be responsible and productive members of society who contribute positively to the growth and development of their communities. Education should also be practical, emphasizing the importance of applying moral values in everyday life.
Secondly, parents and guardians play a crucial role in solving moral decadence among youths. They should take responsibility for the upbringing of their children and ensure that they instill moral values and principles in them. Parents should lead by example, practicing what they preach and modeling good behavior.
They should also create an environment where their children feel safe, loved, and valued, promoting open communication and dialogue about sensitive issues such as sex, drugs, and alcohol. Parents should monitor their children’s behavior, paying attention to their friends, social activities, and online behavior. They should also provide support and guidance to their children, helping them navigate through the challenges and pressures of adolescence.
Thirdly, the community has a critical role in solving moral decadence among youths. Community leaders, such as religious leaders, should be actively involved in mentoring and guiding young people.
They should provide a moral compass for young people, offering guidance, advice, and support when needed.
Community-based organizations, such as youth clubs, sports clubs, and arts organizations, can also play a critical role in engaging young people and providing them with positive role models and activities that promote moral values and principles.
The community should also work together to create a safe and supportive environment for young people, promoting healthy behaviors and discouraging negative behaviors such as drug abuse, alcoholism, and premarital sex.
Fourthly, the government has a role to play in solving moral decadence among youths. The government should provide policies and programs that promote moral values and principles among young people. This can include the provision of funding for education and community-based programs that promote moral values and principles.
The government can also regulate the media, ensuring that it promotes positive values and does not promote negative behaviors that are detrimental to young people. Programmes like the Big Brother Nigeria should be discouraged while the likes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire should be encouraged.
The government should also provide laws and policies that protect young people from negative influences such as drug dealers, sexual predators, and other criminals.
Finally, young people themselves have a critical role to play in solving moral decadence among their peers. They should take responsibility for their actions and behaviors, recognizing that their choices have consequences that can affect their lives and the lives of those around them.
Young people should also be encouraged to participate in community-based activities that promote moral values and principles.
They should also be encouraged to be positive role models for their peers, promoting healthy behaviors and discouraging negative behaviors such as drug abuse, alcoholism, and premarital sex.
Young people should also be empowered to make informed decisions about their lives, providing them with access to information and resources that can help them make responsible choices.
In conclusion, solving moral decadence among youths requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, parents and guardians, the community, the government, and young people themselves. It requires a concerted commitment from all stakeholders.
Moshood Karim is the Managing Director, Uptown Press NG.
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