How do we guide older children to review and clean up their online presence? 

Parenting Perspective 

As children get older, helping them manage their digital footprint becomes a crucial part of preparing them for the future. The goal is to move from parental monitoring to empowering them to become responsible stewards of their own online reputation. 

Start with a Joint Audit 

Sit down together and do a gentle ‘audit’ of their social media accounts and gaming profiles. Look through old posts, photos, and comments to identify anything that might be overly personal, risky, or simply not a good reflection of who they are today. Frame it as a supportive team effort. 

Teach Them to View as an Outsider 

Encourage them to look at their profile through the eyes of an outsider, such as a future employer or university admissions officer. Ask them, ‘What impression would this give someone who does not know you?’ This helps to develop their self-awareness and sense of responsibility. 

Delete or Hide Problematic Content 

Walk them through the practical steps of cleaning up their profile. Show them how to remove old posts, update their privacy settings, and untag themselves from other people’s inappropriate photos. Remind them that while nothing can be fully erased, reducing its visibility is a wise step. 

Encourage Ongoing Maintenance 

Encourage them to make this a regular habit, perhaps checking their main profiles every few months. This normalises the idea of self-monitoring and helps them to be proactive in managing their digital reputation as it grows with them. 

This process empowers them to take control of their online identity with foresight and wisdom. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that we are accountable for our actions and that we should actively remove harm and seek to present ourselves in the best manner. This applies to our digital presence as much as our physical one. 

Accountability and Self-Reflection 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hashr (59), Verse 18: 

‘O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow…’ 

This reminds us to regularly assess our actions and our public presentation, including our online conduct, in preparation for our future accountability. 

Removing Harm from Our Path 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 125, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Removing a harmful thing from the road is an act of charity.’ 

This teaches us that clearing away potentially harmful or inappropriate online content is like removing a danger from a public path; it is a beneficial act for both ourselves and others.