TEHRAN -- The deputy head of the Tehran Justice Administration and the head of the Family Court, Hamidian, commenting on the increasing cases of divorce in the country, elaborated on the causes and consequences of divorce.

At the outset, he pointed out that divorce is sanctioned under Islamic sharia, but is not encouraged unless it is the only way out of a couple's troubles.

In other words, he said divorce is a last alternative for couples in trouble because of the unavoidable negative effects on society.

He said addiction is the leading cause of divorce, adding that addiction also paves the way for other social disorders like robbery, abandonment of home, and other social crimes.

Moreover, he said there are two classes of addiction based on the cause: internal and external.

Young people are idol worshippers, Hamidian said.

They look for role models in society. When the example set before them is bad, they develop bad habits.

On the other hand, broken families or those who neglect their children pave the way for their children's addiction, Hamidian explained.

Stressing the role of family in shaping the real character and identity of a person, he said that a clean society is the result of wholesome families.

He went on to say that any kind of moral or social trait in a family is passed on to children just like the negative and positive values of society.

He stressed that children need parents and training to become useful members of society, and one of the effects of divorce is to deprive children of such parents and training.