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What subtle personality changes suggest that violent media is shaping a child’s behaviour? 

Parenting Perspective 

The influence of violent media often appears not in dramatic actions, but in subtle, gradual shifts in a child’s personality and emotional responses. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on your parenting journey

An Increase in Irritability 

One of the most common signs is a lower threshold for frustration. If a child who was once easy-going now snaps over small issues or reacts with disproportionate anger (shouting, slamming doors) to everyday problems, it may signal that their emotional regulation is being affected by aggressive on-screen content. 

A Decline in Empathy 

Watch for a growing insensitivity to the feelings of others. This might manifest as laughing when another person gets hurt, or making dismissive comments like, ‘It is not a big deal’ in response to someone’s pain. This emotional desensitisation is a significant warning sign that a child is becoming accustomed to seeing suffering as entertainment. 

A Shift Towards Aggressive Language 

Pay attention to the words your child uses during play and conversation. A new focus on language related to power, dominance, and destruction (e.g., ‘winning’, ‘destroying’, ‘beating’) in previously cooperative settings can be a direct echo of the narratives they are consuming. 

A Change in Pretend Play 

Children process their world through play. If their imaginative games, which were once creative and varied, now consistently revolve around themes of fighting, shooting, or capturing, it suggests that violent storylines are occupying their mental and emotional space. 

Early awareness of these patterns allows parents to gently steer a child back towards balance through calmer media choices and open conversations about the real-world consequences of aggression. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam provides a clear moral framework that champions gentleness, respect, and self-control over the aggression and dominance often glorified in violent media. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

‘ Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them; and let not the women (ridicule) other women, as perhaps they may be better than them; and do not insult each other; and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames…’ 

This verse establishes the high standard of Islamic etiquette, which stands in stark contrast to the taunting, insults, and disrespect that are often normalised in violent games and shows. It reminds us that a believer’s speech should be a source of peace, not harm. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ defined true strength not by physical power, but by inner discipline. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 6114, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

The strong man is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who controls himself when angry.‘ 

This is the ultimate counter-narrative to the aggressive heroes of violent media. It teaches children that the most admirable and courageous strength is not the ability to dominate others, but the ability to master one’s own anger and emotions. This is the true mark of a strong and noble character. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on your parenting journey

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