Parenting Perspective 

When children are constantly exposed to peers and influencers flaunting wealth or luxury holidays on social media, it can weaken their natural sense of gratitude. Instead of appreciating their own blessings, they can fall into a habit of comparing themselves with others, which leads to a feeling of dissatisfaction. Even small, simple family joys can feel insignificant when measured against the carefully curated displays they see online. 

The Erosion of Contentment 

Social media creates an endless stream of images that can make a child’s own life seem lacking. This constant comparison is the enemy of contentment, as it trains the heart to focus on what it does not have, rather than being thankful for what it does. 

The Growth of Envy and Pressure 

This online culture of showing off often pushes children to believe that happiness comes only from having more. This can create feelings of envy and restlessness, as well as pressure on them to demand things their family may not be able to provide. These feelings can chip away at a child’s gratitude and sow the seeds of greed. 

The Impact on Relationships and Confidence 

A child who is constantly comparing their life to what they see online may start to resent their parents, believing they are being deprived. Friendships can also be strained as envy leads to unhealthy competition. Their confidence can be damaged as they learn to measure their value by possessions instead of by their character. 

Building Resilience Against Social Media Flaunting 

Parents can guide their children through this digital landscape with wisdom. 

• Teach them that social media often shows exaggerations, not the reality of people’s lives. 

• Encourage them to reflect daily on the blessings in their own life, such as health, love, and faith. 

• Create family routines of gratitude, such as naming three things you are all thankful for before bed. 

• Model contentment in your own life, showing them that joy comes from simplicity and faith, not from showing off. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that gratitude (shukr) is a cornerstone of faith and the key to true contentment. Social media, with its constant encouragement of showing off (riyā’), directly challenges this principle by fostering envy and dissatisfaction in the hearts of those who view it. 

A Quranic Reminder on Gratitude 

The Quran teaches that the surest way to increase one’s blessings is not to chase what others have, but to be grateful for what one has already been given. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ibraheem (14), Verse 7: 

‘ And (remember) when your Sustainer made this declaration; (saying that): “If you show gratitude, I (Allah Almighty) will indeed, amplify them for you (provisions and sustenance); however, if you become ungrateful, then indeed, My punishment is Meticulous (in execution)”.‘ 

This verse teaches us that true increase comes through gratitude, not through envy. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Comparing Correctly 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave direct and practical advice on how to protect the heart from envy by changing one’s perspective. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2963, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Look at those who are lower than you and do not look at those who are above you, for this will make you appreciate the blessings of Allah upon you.’ 

This hadith instructs believers to focus on those with less, which nurtures humility and thankfulness. 

By connecting a child’s daily experiences to these powerful reminders, parents can protect them from the trap of social media flaunting. They can learn that a grateful heart makes a person richer than any luxury ever could, and that true happiness is found in being content with what Allah has already provided.