Parenting Perspective 

Many teenagers view the online world as a space separate from ‘real life’, one where the rules of politeness and respect can seem less important. This mindset can lead to sarcasm and rude comments in chats and forums. It is essential to help your teen understand that Islamic values of adab (manners) are not confined to face-to-face interactions but extend to the digital world as well, as this is crucial for their character development. 

Draw Parallels Between Online and Offline Behaviour 

Have a direct conversation with your teen, explaining that, ‘Typing a hurtful message is the same as speaking it out loud. Both carry weight, and both can either hurt or uplift someone.’ Encourage them to empathise by asking how they would feel if they were the recipient of the kind of messages they send. This helps them to internalise the reality that actions behind a screen still affect real hearts. 

Encourage Reflection Before Posting 

Teach your teenager to apply a simple self-check before sending any message or posting any comment. Encourage them to ask themselves: ‘Would I be comfortable saying this to the person’s face? Would I be happy for this message to be read aloud in front of my family?’ This brief pause for reflection helps to connect their digital actions to a real-world sense of accountability. 

Model Respectful Communication Online 

Your own online behaviour is a powerful teaching tool. Let your teen see you communicating with respect and kindness in your own emails, family chats, and group messages. Teenagers are far more likely to adopt positive digital manners when they see that this is a consistent value practised by their parents. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam provides clear and unambiguous guidance that every word we communicate, whether spoken or written, is recorded and carries a heavy weight of responsibility. 

The Accountability of Every Word 

The Quran reminds believers that no word goes unnoticed. Every post, message, and comment is observed and recorded, just as if it were spoken aloud. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Qaaf (50), Verses 18: 

‘ (Man) is unable to utter a single word, without him being closely observed (and all actions being recorded)…’ 

Good Manners as a Path to Proximity 

The prophetic teachings establish good manners as one of the most significant factors in determining a believer’s closeness to the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Resurrection, a principle that applies to all forms of interaction. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 1738, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Indeed, the most beloved of you to me and the closest to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those of you with the best manners.’ 

By helping your teenager connect their online behaviour to these core Islamic values, you are showing them that faith is not confined to the home or the masjid. They will learn that embodying adab online is a vital part of living as a mindful and accountable Muslim in the modern world.