Influence of indulgent parenting on adolescents’ lack of moral values in Nigeria: A biblical approach

Abstract

The erosion of moral values among adolescents has become a growing concern in contemporary Nigerian society, reflected in rising cases of violence, substance abuse, sexual immorality, and declining respect for cultural and religious norms. While multiple factors influence adolescent behaviour, parental influence remains a critical determinant of moral development. This study examines the impact of indulgent (permissive) parenting on adolescents’ moral values within the Nigerian socio-cultural and religious context. It adopts a qualitative, conceptual-analytical design based on a systematic review and thematic analysis of relevant scholarly literature on parenting styles, adolescent development, moral formation, and value orientation. The analysis indicates that indulgent parenting, characterised by low discipline and weak behavioural control, is associated with poor self-regulation, distorted value orientation, diminished respect for moral norms, weakened spiritual commitment, and reduced personal responsibility. The study argues that excessive parental permissiveness undermines the development of discipline, accountability, and moral responsibility during the critical stage of identity formation. It concludes that effective parenting requires a balanced integration of love, guidance, discipline, and moral instruction. The study contributes to ongoing discourse on adolescent moral development by highlighting the importance of parenting practices in fostering value-based upbringing and recommends collaborative efforts among parents, schools, faith-based institutions, and other stakeholders to promote positive moral formation.