How can I help my child stop copying characters’ disrespectful humour? 

Parenting Perspective 

It is unsettling to hear your child repeat the sarcastic or disrespectful humour they have picked up from television, films, or online content. While they may find it amusing, such humour often normalises rudeness and the act of belittling others. If left unaddressed, this habit can negatively affect the way they speak to family and friends. Your role is to guide them, firmly but gently, to distinguish between humour that uplifts and humour that harms. 

Why Children Copy Disrespectful Humour 

Understanding the motivation behind the mimicry is the first step to correcting it effectively. Children often copy this type of humour because: 

• They see characters being rewarded with laughter or attention for their wit. 

• They believe it makes them appear clever, confident, or “grown-up.” 

• They enjoy the strong reaction whether shock or amusement it gets from others. 

Set Clear Standards on Speech 

Calmly explain that while humour is encouraged in your home, it must never come at the expense of respect. 

‘Jokes are wonderful when they make people happy. However, jokes that put people down or make fun of them are not allowed in our family.’ 

This sets a firm but balanced boundary, making your family’s values clear. 

Show Examples of Positive Humour 

Actively share light, kind, or clever jokes with your child so they can see that humour can be enjoyable without being rude. Encourage them to retell or create their own positive jokes, making shared laughter a safe and joyful experience. 

Role-Play Alternatives 

When your child repeats a disrespectful line from a show, pause the moment and model a better alternative. 

‘That line sounds a bit unkind. A funnier way to say that without being rude could be’ 

This equips your child with the practical tools to replace harmful phrases with better ones. 

Reinforce Respectful Joking 

Whenever your child makes others laugh in a kind and considerate way, notice it and praise them for it. 

‘That was a brilliant joke, and I love how it made us all laugh without hurting anyone’s feelings.’ 

This teaches them that true wit is appreciated most when it is coupled with kindness. By creating clear boundaries and celebrating respectful humour, you help your child develop a sense of fun that strengthens, rather than weakens, their relationships. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that the tongue is a sacred trust (amanah), and our words should be a source of goodness, not harm. While humour is not forbidden, it must never cross the line into mockery or insult. Children should learn that every word they utter helps to shape their character and their faith. 

Mocking others, even in jest, is strictly forbidden, as we never know a person’s true worth in the sight of Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (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 ridiculing others is a serious matter. It is an act of arrogance that is displeasing to Allah, who honours people for their piety, not for their social standing. 

The tongue of a believer should be pure and free from any form of verbal harm. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2606, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘It is not befitting for a truthful person to be given to cursing.’ 

This hadith teaches that a person of faith should not use their tongue for insults, mockery, or any form of harmful humour. Our words should be reserved for that which is good and beneficial. By guiding your child to enjoy humour without disrespect, you nurture both their manners and their faith. They learn that the best laughter comes from kindness, not cruelty.