'I was duped into leaving London for school in Ghana - but it saved me'

I read this article, I thought it was interesting. The author says that he ended up being grateful for the strictness from his mother - he thinks she took him away from a dangerous criminal life.

I wonder whether British parents generally these days are not strict enough, or too strict. Clearly this guy thinks that strictness when growing up can be beneficial, even if it's painful at the time.