How Do We Set Rules About Asking Before Posting Someone’s Picture? 

Parenting Perspective 

In a world where children are growing up surrounded by smartphones and social media, it is easy for them to forget that photos are more than just fun images to be shared. They are a part of a person’s privacy and dignity. By establishing clear family rules about asking for permission before posting a picture, you help your child to develop a deep sense of respect, empathy, and responsibility in the digital world. 

Explain the Principle of ‘Digital Dignity’ 

Help your child to understand the core principle at stake. You could explain, ‘A photograph of a person belongs to them. Before we even think about posting it, we must ask for their permission, because it is their right to decide. It is about making sure they are comfortable, not just about what we want to do.’ This teaches them that respect for privacy comes before our own entertainment. 

Establish a Simple, Non-Negotiable Family Rule 

Create a clear and simple guideline that is easy for everyone to remember and follow. The rule could be: ‘In our family, we have one simple rule about photos: we never post a picture of anyone else without asking for their permission first.’ Consistency is what makes this rule strong and effective. 

Equip Them with Polite Phrases for Asking 

Make it easier for your child to seek permission by giving them a few simple, polite phrases they can use. You could practise saying: 

• ‘I really like this picture of us. Would it be okay with you if I post it?’ 

• ‘Are you happy for me to share this one?’ 

• ‘If you would rather I did not, I will just keep it for myself.’ 

This normalises the act of seeking consent and makes it a standard part of their digital manners. 

Lead by Your Own Consistent Example 

Your own actions will be their most powerful teacher. Before you share a family photo that includes your children, make a point of asking them aloud, ‘I was thinking of sharing this lovely picture of us with Grandma. Are you all happy for me to do that, or would you rather I did not?’ Your example shows them that asking for permission is a standard for everyone, not an exception. 

Build Empathy Through Discussion 

Talk through real-life scenarios to help them develop foresight and empathy. You might ask, ‘If your friend had messy hair or was making a silly face in a photo, how do you think they might feel if everyone in the class saw it?’ These discussions help them to consider the feelings of others before they act. 

Acknowledge and Praise Their Respectful Choices 

When your child remembers to ask for permission before sharing a photo, be sure to affirm their responsible choice. A simple comment like, ‘I really liked how you checked with your cousin before you posted that picture. That showed a lot of respect and maturity,’ reinforces the value of their action. 

By teaching respect, practising polite phrases, and modelling the importance of permission, you help your child to build digital habits that are rooted in kindness, consideration, and integrity. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a great deal of emphasis on the importance of protecting a person’s dignity, privacy, and honour. The modern-day act of asking for permission before posting someone’s picture is a direct and relevant way of practising these timeless Islamic principles. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Noor (24), Verse 27: 

‘ O those of you who are believers, do not enter houses (of other people) except your own homes; unless you have permission from them, (and when you do) say Salaams upon the inhabitants; this is better for you (so that you can respect each other’s privacy) in (the application of) your thinking.‘ 

This verse teaches us the fundamental principle of respecting people’s privacy in their own homes. By extension, the act of seeking consent before posting someone’s photograph is a way of honouring their “personal space” and privacy in the digital world. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3934, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe; and a believer is the one from whom people’s lives and wealth are safe.’ 

This hadith is a reminder that being a source of safety for others is a core part of our faith. This safety includes protecting people from any harm that might come to their dignity or privacy through the careless sharing of images online. 

When children learn to ask for permission before posting someone’s picture, they are actively practising the virtues of honesty, respect, and the protection of another person’s rights. These crucial habits prepare them to live responsibly and with integrity in both the physical and the digital worlds, reflecting the beautiful prophetic manners in our modern times.