How do I explain to my child that just because something is animated or ‘for kids’ does not mean it is always okay? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often assume that anything colourful, animated, or labelled ‘for kids’ is automatically safe and good for them. As a parent, your role is to gently guide them towards a more discerning view, helping them to see that not all content is created equal and that appearances can be misleading. 

Look Beyond the Animation to the Message 

Instead of simply banning certain shows, start a conversation that sparks their critical thinking. You might say, ‘Sometimes a cartoon can be funny, but it might also show characters being rude or unkind. It is important that we look at what a show teaches us, not just how colourful it is’. This helps them to look deeper than the surface-level entertainment. 

Use Teachable Moments 

If you are watching with them and notice an inappropriate message such as a character being disrespectful to their parents or laughing when someone gets hurt use it as a gentle, in-the-moment teaching opportunity. You can pause and ask, ‘Did you notice how they laughed when that person fell over? In our family, we know that hurting someone is not funny, do we not?’ This builds their moral and ethical awareness without making media seem mysterious or forbidden. 

Empower Them with a ‘Values Filter’ 

The long-term goal is to empower them to self-filter. Give them a few simple guidelines they can remember, turning them into questions they can ask themselves: Does this show respect for others? Does it use kind and clean language? Does watching this make me feel calm and happy, or does it make me feel like arguing or copying bad behaviour? 

By making these conversations part of normal family life, your child will learn to choose media based on your shared values, not just on its entertainment factor. This fosters long-term digital discernment instead of short-term compliance. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages believers to be mindful and discerning about what enters their hearts and minds, as these inputs directly shape a person’s character and actions. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mu’minoon (23), Verse 3: 

‘And those people that abstain from frivolous gossip...’ 

This verse reminds us that a characteristic of a true believer is to actively avoid that which is harmful, frivolous, or meaningless, and to choose instead that which purifies and benefits the soul. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2378, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A man is upon the religion of his best friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.’ 

This hadith teaches us that the influences we surround ourselves with whether they are people or the media we consume have a profound impact on our values and behaviour, so we must choose them wisely. By explaining that even children’s content can carry