Certified parenting coach, Mrs. Bunmi Adeniran, has urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities.
She spoke at 2025 ‘I AM Bunmi Adeniran’ Parenting Conference: ‘Building generational faith, parenting eternal impact.’
Adeniran said parents must shift from passive observation to active engagement if they are to protect their children from harmful digital influences.
She noted that the fast pace of modern life leaves parents with limited time for hands-on involvement, allowing external influences to shape children’s values and behaviour.
Sharing her experience, she noted importance of parental presence on social media platforms used by their children.
‘There is no way you can do without social media. When my children joined Facebook years ago, I became their friend. My first son, asked why? I told him that as long as I pay for the phone and data, I have a right to know what goes on there. If I can’t know the password, then I can’t pay,’ she said.
Adeniran also addressed the balance between discipline and nurturing, saying love and compassion must remain central to raising well-rounded children.
She warned against punitive discipline, emphasising that its purpose should be to teach, not to instill fear.
‘The goal of discipline should be teaching,’ she said. ‘Parents should adopt correction methods that build skills, self-regulation, and problem-solving.’
She advised parents not to discipline children in moments of anger or emotional overwhelm, noting that waiting until calm allows for more constructive guidance.
According to her, effective parenting rooted in empathy, respect and healthy discipline supports the development of mentally, socially, morally and spiritually balanced adults.
She likened parenting to sowing seeds, saying children flourish when nurtured in the right environment.
Other speakers at the conference, including Pastor Oluwafemi Oyewunmi, Pastor Nifemi Olawande, Coach Femi Adisa, Rev. Tokunbo Adejuwon, and Pastor Elizabeth Olumuyiwa, echoed her message.
They emphasised the need for parents to work together, remain actively involved, and intentionally instil the right values, discipline, and emotional support in their children.
The event also featured a soul-lifting worship session by gospel singer Ernieola Olusoga.