How can a child correct misinformation a friend posted without sounding superior? 

Parenting Perspective 

In a world where information can spread much faster than our understanding of it, children will often come across friends posting things that are not true. This could be in the form of rumours, misleading “facts,” or even jokes that could harm someone’s reputation. Correcting misinformation is important, but how they choose to do it matters most. If it is handled clumsily, a correction can sound like boasting or a form of public shaming. Teaching your child how to speak the truth with humility helps them to practise integrity, empathy, and wisdom, which are all qualities that make their voice worth listening to. 

Beginning with Empathy, Not Criticism 

You can start by helping your child to see the situation through their friend’s eyes. You might say, ‘Most people share things because they believe them to be true, not because they are trying to mislead anyone. It is best to correct them kindly, not like you are trying to catch them out.’ This perspective helps to keep compassion at the heart of the truth. 

Teaching Gentle and Respectful Phrases 

Give your child some ways to sound considerate, not condescending. 

• ‘I saw that post, too. I think the information might be a bit off, though. Would you like me to send you the link I found?’ 

• ‘I think there has been a bit of a mix-up. Here is what I read about it.’ 

• A particularly good phrase is: ‘I think that might be a bit outdated; here is what I found instead.’ 

Each of these phrases offers a correction as an act of teamwork, not judgement. 

Encouraging Private Messages First 

You can advise your child, ‘If you message your friend privately, you can help to protect their dignity. Nobody likes being corrected in front of everyone.’ This simple step can transform a potential confrontation into an act of care and shows a high level of emotional intelligence. Role-playing these private conversations can help your child to practise a calm and kind tone. 

Teaching Them to Share, Not to Show Off 

Children can sometimes want to sound clever when they know the right answer. Remind them that the goal is to inform, not to impress. You could say, ‘You are not there to prove that you are smarter than them. You are there to help the truth to come out in a kind way.’ A truth that is told with humility will always travel further than a truth that is told loudly. 

Modelling Balanced Online Behaviour 

Let your child see you practising gentle correction in your own online interactions. For example, ‘I sometimes comment, “I think that might be an old link; here is the update.” It helps people without embarrassing them.’ Children learn their digital manners from what they see, not just from what they hear. 

Praising Their Wisdom, Not Just Their Accuracy 

When your child manages to handle a situation of misinformation with grace, be sure to celebrate their composure. You could say, ‘You spoke the truth without embarrassing your friend. That shows real wisdom.’ This praise teaches them that their integrity is measured by their kindness as much as by their correctness. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, the truth (haqq) is considered to be sacred, but how it is shared matters just as much as what is shared. The act of correcting others with compassion is a reflection of adab (good manners) and hikmah (wisdom). The faith teaches that speaking the truth in a kind way is a mark of both a sound intellect and a strong faith. 

The Quranic Guidance on Speaking the Gentle Truth 

The Quran reminds us that even when the truth is clear on our side, our delivery of it must be wise and kind. A good intention should always be matched with a good approach. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah An Nahl (16), Verses 125: 

‘Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best…‘ 

When your child says, “I think that might not be right; here is another source,” they are living the spirit of this verse by offering clarity with grace. 

The Prophetic Example of Considerate Correction 

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ guide believers to use their speech only when it is of benefit to others. Correcting misinformation, when it is done gently, is one such benefit. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 705, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day either speak good or keep silent.‘ 

This hadith reminds us that the truth, when it is spoken kindly, becomes a form of service, not an assertion of superiority. 

When your child learns to say, “I saw that, too, but I think the information might be a bit off. Shall we check it together?”, they are discovering the beautiful balance between honesty and humility. They are realising that the act of correction is not about being right; it is about being responsible. 

Each gentle correction becomes a lesson in leadership, teaching them how to use their knowledge to heal, not to humiliate. Over time, they will come to see that real wisdom is not just about knowing the truth, but about knowing how to share it in a beautiful way. 

In every thoughtful message they send, your child comes to reflect one of Islam’s noblest virtues: a truth that is delivered with compassion, for the sake of Allah Almighty, who loves those who speak rightly and gently.