How can we teach children to recognise grooming behaviours without frightening them? 

Parenting Perspective 

Teaching children about personal safety is a delicate balance between providing crucial information and avoiding unnecessary fear. The goal is to empower them with knowledge and confidence, not to make them anxious about the world. 

Start with the Concept of Safe and Unsafe Behaviour 

Introduce the idea by explaining that there are safe and unsafe behaviours. You can say that safe adults respect our feelings, listen when we say ‘no,’ and never ask us to keep secrets that feel wrong. This provides a clear, simple framework for them to use. 

Use Role-Play and Everyday Scenarios 

Instead of talking in abstract terms, you can gently role-play real-life situations. Act out a scenario where someone online asks for a photo, and guide them on how to say ‘no’ firmly, leave the situation, and immediately tell a trusted adult. Practice builds confidence. 

Empower Without Creating Fear 

Keep the focus on empowerment, not fear. It is vital to assure them that if anyone ever behaves inappropriately, it is never, ever their fault. Remind them that most people are good, but this knowledge is a tool to help them stay safe. 

Teaching safety in this way ensures children feel prepared, not anxious, and know that you are a safe person to come to for help. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a profound emphasis on protecting the vulnerable and upholding trust. Teaching children about safety is a parent’s duty and a reflection of these core values. 

Trust is a Sacred Responsibility 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah An Nisa (4), Verse 58: 

‘Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice…’ 

This reminds us that safeguarding trust and protecting others is a duty given by Allah. Children should be guided to recognise when this sacred trust is being misused by others. 

Safety as a Sign of True Faith 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 41, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand Muslims are safe.’ 

This teaches us that a core part of faith is ensuring others feel safe from our actions. By extension, we should also recognise when someone else’s actions are making us feel unsafe. 

When parents link safety education to these Islamic values, children learn that boundaries are not only about personal protection but also about living by the principles Allah loves. This gives them a clear moral framework to recognise wrongdoing and seek help without hesitation.