How can we explain to a child that safety settings are about protection, not control? 

Parenting Perspective 

Lead with Empathy and Reassurance 

Begin the conversation by acknowledging how your child might feel. You can say something like, ‘I understand that these rules might feel like I do not trust you’. Reassure them that the opposite is true; your love and trust in them is precisely why you want to protect them. Comparing it to locking the front door at night helps frame it as a normal act of family care. 

Draw Parallels to Real-World Safety 

Use simple, relatable analogies to make the concept clear. Explain that you insist on them wearing a seatbelt not because you expect a bad driver, but because accidents can happen. In the same way, online safety settings are a precaution against dangers they cannot predict or control, rather than a comment on their personal behaviour. 

Educating Without Frightening 

Be open about online risks in an age-appropriate way. You do not need to share scary details, but you can explain that the internet has both wonderful and harmful spaces. This helps your child understand that filters act as a helpful shield against the harmful parts, leaving them free to enjoy the positive aspects of the online world without fear. 

Presenting Settings as a Temporary Scaffold 

Frame these settings as a temporary support system that will adapt as they grow. Explain that as they demonstrate responsible and mature online habits, the rules and restrictions can be reviewed and adjusted together. This shows them that you trust in their development and view protection as an evolving process, not a permanent state of control. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a profound emphasis on the duty of care and the responsibility that comes with any position of trust, especially parenting. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Anfal (8), Verse 27: 

‘O you who believe! Do not betray Allah and the Messenger, nor betray your trusts while you know [the consequences]…‘ 

This verse reminds parents that their role is a sacred trust (amanah). Part of honouring this trust is taking necessary steps to protect their children. Therefore, implementing safety settings is not a betrayal of the child’s trust, but an fulfilment of the parent’s trust with Allah. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ beautifully described this responsibility of guardianship. 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, 214, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be asked about his flock.‘ 

This powerful metaphor teaches that parents are shepherds responsible for their flock’s wellbeing. In today’s world, this flock is exposed to digital dangers just as it is to physical ones. Implementing safety measures is a core part of this spiritual duty to guide and protect, making it an act of responsible care, not undue control.