What is the best way to explain to children that not all trends are safe, even if many friends are doing them? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children have a natural tendency to assume that if ‘everyone’ is doing something online, it must be harmless. Many viral challenges and trends can appear to be fun on the surface, but can conceal risks ranging from physical harm to the promotion of inappropriate ideas. The role of a parent is to explain these potential dangers without making their child feel judged, and to equip them with the tools to think critically about what they see online. 

Use Simple, Relatable Examples 

Explain to your child that just because a road is crowded with people, it does not mean it is safe to cross without looking. In the same way, just because an online trend is popular, it does not automatically make it right or safe. This helps them to separate the idea of popularity from the idea of safety. 

Teach Them to Ask Three Key Questions 

Encourage your children to pause and ask themselves three simple questions before participating in any online trend: 

• Is this safe for my body and my health? 

• Does this respect my dignity and my Islamic values? 

• Would I be happy for my parents or my teachers to see me do this? 

Giving them these guiding questions provides a clear framework for independent decision-making. 

Share Stories of Harmful Trends 

Without using fearmongering tactics, you can calmly discuss real-life examples where popular challenges have unfortunately led to serious injuries, public embarrassment, or long-term regret. These stories are a powerful reminder that popularity does not equal safety. 

Praise the Courage to Stand Apart 

Make a point of telling your child that choosing to say ‘no’ when others are saying ‘yes’ is not a weakness, but a powerful form of bravery. Celebrate their ability to make wise and considered decisions, even when it feels difficult or socially awkward. 

By focusing on teaching discernment rather than simply giving commands, parents can help their children to develop the confidence and the critical thinking skills needed to choose wisely, even when faced with intense peer pressure. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam reminds us that following the majority is never a guarantee of truth or safety. Believers are called to measure their choices against the standard of what is pleasing to Allah Almighty, not against what is merely common or popular. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al An’aam (6), Verses 116: 

‘And if you obey (the opinions) of the vast majority of those (who live) on the Earth, you will be mislead from the pathway towards Allah (Almighty); they do not follow anything except (whimsical) assumptions…’ 

This verse provides a timeless warning that truth is not decided by numbers or popularity, but by the divine guidance that comes from Allah. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3986, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Islam began as something strange and will return to being strange as it began, so glad tidings to the strangers.’ 

This beautiful hadith reframes the experience of being different. It teaches us that standing apart from the crowd for the sake of holding onto the truth is not a cause for shame, but a source of honour and glad tidings from Allah. 

By connecting online trends to these clear principles, parents can help their children to understand that what seems popular is not always good, and that resisting unsafe trends is an act that is both wise and rewarded by Allah Almighty.