How do I filter their shows without making them feel punished? 

Parenting Perspective 

For many children, screen time is a cherished part of their routine. When a parent steps in to filter their viewing, a child will often interpret it as an unfair punishment rather than an act of protection. The key is to frame this process as gentle guidance, not harsh restriction, preserving their trust while protecting them from harmful content. 

Explain the Purpose Clearly 

Instead of a simple command like, ‘You cannot watch this’, explain the reasoning behind your decision. 

‘Some shows have things in them that are not good for our hearts and minds, like rude words or unkind behaviour. My job is to help you find shows that are fun but also teach you good things.’ 

This approach frames the rule as an act of protection, not control. 

Involve Them in Choosing 

Give your child a sense of autonomy by allowing them to choose from a list of parent-approved options. This transforms the experience from one of restriction to one of choice. 

‘Here are three great shows that are both fun and safe. Which one would you like to watch today?’ 

Create a Balance of Yes and No 

If you only ever say ‘no’ to their choices, children will naturally feel deprived and resentful. For every show you remove, try to suggest an exciting and positive alternative. 

‘I know you like that show, but it has too much shouting. How about we find another one with lots of adventure that we can watch together instead?’ 

Watch Together at Times 

Make an effort to occasionally watch their favourite approved shows with them. This gives you the opportunity to model positive reactions, highlight good behaviour, and gently question anything that seems inappropriate. It also shows your child that your media rules are based on shared family values, not just parental control. 

Reinforce the Positive Outcomes 

When your child genuinely enjoys a wholesome programme, point out the positive experience. 

‘I loved how that show made us all laugh without anyone being mean or disrespectful. That is the kind of fun that makes everyone feel happy.’ 

This helps them to associate filtered content with positive and joyful feelings. By using this gentle and inclusive approach, you can make filtering feel like an act of care. Over time, your child will learn that this guidance is there to protect their heart and mind, not to limit their freedom. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great importance on guarding our senses—our eyes, our ears, and our hearts—from harmful influences. Teaching children to filter what they watch is not about taking away their enjoyment, but about protecting their dignity, their faith, and their innate goodness (fitrah). 

Guarding what we look at is a form of spiritual purification for the heart. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Noor (24), Verse 30: 

‘Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) to the believing men to lower their gaze (upon forbidden things); and protect their private parts (with chastity)…’ 

This verse, though addressing believing men, establishes a universal principle: being mindful of what we look at is an act that purifies the soul. 

A sign of true wisdom and faith is the ability to turn away from that which is doubtful or harmful. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2518, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘If anything leads you to doubt, leave it for that which does not make you doubt.’ 

This hadith teaches a vital life skill. By filtering your child’s shows gently and wisely, you are not just protecting their manners; you are training them to be mindful of their own spiritual health. They learn that what they watch shapes who they become, and that choosing wisely is part of their identity as a believer.