How to Help When Your Child Is Mocked for Their Accent 

Parenting Perspective 

Acknowledge His Pain 

When a child is mocked for something as personal as their accent, it can touch deeply on their sense of identity and belonging. The first step is to acknowledge your child’s pain and let him know that being hurt by such comments is valid. This reassures him that you understand and that his feelings matter. 

Frame His Accent as a Sign of Strength 

At home, help him see his accent as a sign of strength rather than a weakness. You might say that it reflects the richness of his background, his exposure to different languages, and his ability to navigate more than one culture. When a parent frames an accent as an asset, a child learns to carry it with pride rather than shame. 

Advocate for Him at School 

Alongside building this resilience, it is important to advocate for him within the school. Speak calmly but firmly with his teachers, explaining what has happened and asking them to take practical steps to ensure he feels safe and respected in the classroom. Children need to see that their parents are willing to protect them while also teaching them how to handle challenges. 

Practise Confident Responses 

You can also role-play with him at home, practising short and confident responses if the mocking happens again. This prepares him to respond with dignity without escalating the situation. Remind him that respect is not always about being liked by everyone but about carrying himself with calmness and self-worth. 

Spiritual Insight 

Root Their Confidence in Allah’s Value of Them 

In moments when a child feels belittled, it is helpful to root their confidence in how Allah values them. 

Do Not Ridicule Another Nation 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al-Hujurat (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…’  

This Verse reminds us that mocking others is condemned in Islam, and that true worth is known only to Allah. You can share this with your child to show that being mocked is not a reflection of his value, but a failing on the part of those who mock. 

Preserving Dignity Is a Core Islamic Principle 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Book 45, Hadith 40, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither wrongs him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him.’  

This Hadith highlights that preserving dignity is a core Islamic principle, and children should know that their honour is sacred in the eyes of Allah. 

By affirming his strengths, preparing him with tools to respond, and showing him that Allah measures him by his Taqwa and character, you help your child face mockery without internalising it. With your support and the school’s involvement, he can learn resilience while knowing that respect and dignity are his right both in the classroom and before Allah.