Our child is influenced by social media trends that contradict what we teach. How can we parent through this together? 

Parenting Perspective 

When social media promotes values that clash with your family’s principles, a united parenting front is the most powerful shield. Your child needs to see that your core values are a consistent and shared foundation, not just one parent’s opinion. 

Align on Your Core Values Privately 

Before you address any trend with your child, you and your spouse must be aligned. Have a private conversation and agree on your non-negotiable family values, such as modesty, respectful speech, and humility. A child is far less likely to be swayed by outside influences when they see and feel this unity at home. 

Discuss Trends with Open Curiosity 

Instead of simply banning a trend, engage your child in a thoughtful conversation. Ask gentle, curious questions like, ‘I have seen that trend online. What do you think is the appeal?’ or ‘How do you think that fits in with what we believe as a family?’ This approach nurtures their critical thinking skills and helps them evaluate trends for themselves. 

Highlight Positive Role Models 

Actively seek out and share content from positive influencers who embody your family’s values. When your child sees that it is possible to be engaging, creative, and respected without compromising their faith, they are less likely to feel that they are missing out by not following every popular trend. 

Model the Behaviour You Want to See 

Your own digital habits are the most powerful lesson of all. When your child sees both parents using social media responsibly, avoiding gossip, and engaging with content that is beneficial, they learn that digital citizenship is a part of your family’s character. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to be discerning about the influences we allow into our hearts and homes. A family that stands united in its values provides a strong anchor for a child in a sea of confusing trends. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqan (25), Verse 72: 

‘And [they are] those who do not bear false witness, and when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity…‘ 

This verse describes the character of a true believer. They do not engage with foolish or harmful content; they “pass by with dignity.” This is a beautiful principle to teach a child for navigating social media: the strongest and most dignified response to a harmful trend is to simply scroll past. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave a profound warning about the power of imitation. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, 4031, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever imitates a people is one of them.‘ 

This hadith is a powerful reminder that the trends we follow and the people we imitate online begin to shape our identity. It encourages parents to remain vigilant and to guide their children towards influences that will strengthen their connection to their faith, not weaken it.