Parenting Perspective 

Address the Behaviour Calmly and Directly 

Children often imitate behaviours they see online, even if those actions conflict with the values taught at home. If your child starts excluding others, it is important to address it calmly and directly. Rather than scolding, open a conversation by asking, ‘I noticed you did something new today. Where did you see that?’ This helps you to understand the source of the influence. You can then gently explain that just because something is popular online does not make it right. 

Reframe with Real-Life Impact 

Help your child to connect the online behaviour with its real-world impact. Ask a simple question to encourage empathy: ‘How would you feel if someone told you that you could not play with them?’ You can then role-play positive alternatives, practising phrases like, ‘Everyone can join in.’ Be sure to praise them warmly when you see them being inclusive, as this reinforces that true respect comes from kindness, not from copying trends. 

Develop Media Awareness 

By guiding them to reflect critically on what they see online, you not only stop exclusionary behaviour but also help your child develop media awareness and stronger social values. This empowers them to filter what they see through the lens of their own character. 

Spiritual Insight 

We are Accountable for What We Follow 

Islam teaches that we are accountable for what we see, hear, and choose to follow. Simply because a behaviour is common or popular does not make it acceptable. We are commanded to be discerning and to avoid pursuing things without knowledge of whether they are right or wrong. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 36: 

‘ Aand do not pursue (to meddle in matters) with which you have no knowledge; indeed, your hearing (everything you heard), your sight (everything you observed), your conscience (everything you thought), in fact, all of these (your faculties) shall be called for questioning (on the Day of Judgement).‘ 

A Muslim Makes Others Feel Safe 

The prophetic tradition defines a true Muslim as someone who is a source of safety for others. Exclusionary behaviour does the opposite; it makes people feel unsafe and unwelcome. This hadith is a beautiful standard against which to measure our social conduct. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 10, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe.’ 

Measuring Actions Against Kindness 

When you frame the conversation around accountability to Allah, your child learns to think more critically about the things they see online. They begin to understand that not all behaviour is worth imitating, and that their own actions should be measured against the Islamic values of kindness and fairness. This helps them to grow into a person who makes others feel welcome, not excluded.