How can families address exposure to influencers who normalise haram behaviour in subtle ways? 

Parenting Perspective 

Many online influencers promote lifestyles or attitudes that subtly normalise haram behaviour, such as immodest dress or disrespectful speech, often wrapping it in humour, popular trends, or a veneer of ‘relatability.’ Because this influence is not always overt, children may not even realise that they are absorbing values that conflict with their faith. The wisest response from parents is not to ban every online voice out of fear, but to teach their children how to critically evaluate the content they consume through the lens of their Islamic values. 

Teach Media Awareness 

Explain to your child that not everything that is popular is necessarily healthy for their heart or mind. You could say: ‘Some people online can make harmful things look normal or cool, but just because many people follow them does not mean that their message is good for us.’ Encourage your children to ask a simple, reflective question: ‘Does this content bring me closer to or farther from Allah?’ 

Discuss the Subtle Messages 

Help them to notice the indirect ways in which harmful behaviour is normalised, such as through jokes that trivialise immodesty or memes that mock respectful conduct. Discuss how humour and trends can be very powerful tools for shaping values, and explain why it is so important for them to be cautious about the messages they absorb. 

Replace, Do Not Just Restrict 

The most effective approach is to offer positive and engaging role models. Help your child to find and follow Islamic speakers, storytellers, or creative Muslim influencers who align with your family’s faith and values. This shows them that online spaces can be a source of great benefit without compromising beliefs. 

Keep the Dialogue Open 

Encourage your children to share what they are watching with you. Instead of reacting harshly to something you disapprove of, use curiosity as a tool for teaching. You could ask: ‘What is it that you like about this person?’ This allows you as a parent to understand the appeal and to gently guide your child’s perspective, rather than making them feel defensive. 

By focusing on developing your child’s awareness, rather than just imposing prohibitions, you can help to raise a generation that is able to filter online content with wisdom and independence. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam provides clear warnings against being swayed by those who have a talent for beautifying falsehood or making sinful behaviour appear attractive. Parents should use these warnings to remind their children that a true and beneficial role model is one who inspires righteousness, not one who encourages spiritual compromise. 

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 misled from the pathway towards Allah (Almighty); they do not follow anything except (whimsical) assumptions…’ 

This verse is a timeless reminder that popularity does not equal truth. Following the crowd, especially when it comes to values and beliefs, can easily lead a person astray. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2378, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.’ 

This teaching clarifies that the people we choose as our role models and companions, whether online or in person, will directly shape our own faith and actions. 

By grounding your children in these core values, you can help them to understand that following an influencer is not just a form of entertainment; it is a choice of company that has a real impact on the heart. Over time, they can learn to value leaders who bring them closer to Allah, rather than those who disguise harm in trendy and relatable packaging.