LAGOS — David Ibiyeomie, founder and senior pastor of Salvation Ministries, has advised parents against buying smartphones for their children until they get admission into the university.
The cleric was speaking on how to properly raise children in the wake of the dust trailing the sex tape scandal involving some pupils of Chrisland School in Lagos.
Recall that a video involving students of Chrisland school, Lagos went viral on social media on Monday eliciting various reactions from Nigerians.
While many have called for sanctions on the management of the school, many others have blamed poor parenting for the shameful act.
Weighing into the matter, Pastor Ibiyeomie said some parents have failed in their primary responsibility of training their children.
In a message shared via his Instagram page, the cleric advised parents to teach their children sex education at home, stressing that efforts must be put in place to control children’s exposure to the media.
“The Bible said you should train your child the way he should grow and not depart from it. There is a thread in our society today where parents are no longer taking responsibility to train their children,” he said.
“It’s a disturbing thread, parents are busy and absent from the training of their children. I emphasise the following points. Parents should encourage discipline from home. Parents of adolescents children should use wisdom to teach sex education and not allow them to learn from their peers.
“Parents should regulate TV and internet use. Unlimited access to the internet and mobile phone should be discouraged. In fact, don’t buy phone for any child who has not gone to university. It may sound very awkward, I know you’re too civilized but do not do it.
“I refuse to buy David a phone till he gets to high school and told him he will never use a phone till he enters university. Now, he thanks me saying he now understands. Phone and tablets anything pops up, let them use your own. Buy a landline, put it in your parlour and if they don’t agree stand your ground.”
