Parenting Perspective 

Older children are quick to notice when parents say one thing but do another. Preaching about screen time while being glued to your own phone creates resistance and weakens trust. A more effective way to guide is through modelling mindful media use, showing balance in action without long lectures. 

Be Transparent About Your Choices 

Say aloud what you are doing with your device: ‘I am checking the weather before we go out’ or ‘I am putting my phone on silent so we can eat together.’ This demonstrates purposeful use, showing that devices serve you rather than control you. 

Practise Visible Pauses 

Put your phone aside in clear view when your child is speaking. This non-verbal gesture communicates that people come before screens. Children often absorb more from what you model than from what you say. 

Share Positive Alternatives 

When choosing not to scroll, show what you are doing instead: reading, journaling, or taking a walk. Invite your child along without pressure: ‘I am resting my eyes from screens. Want to join me for tea?’ Offering companionship makes your choices attractive rather than preachy. 

Admit Your Own Struggles 

If you slip into overuse, acknowledge it openly: ‘I spent too long online today, so I am putting my phone away earlier.’ This models self-awareness and makes the conversation honest rather than lecturing. 

By embedding mindful habits into daily life and quietly living them out, parents show older children that balance with media is possible, practical, and worth imitating. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages moderation in all aspects of life. Teaching children mindful media use is part of fulfilling the trust of time and attention given by Allah Almighty. 

Qur’an Guidance 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verses 36: 

‘And do not pursue (to meddle in matters) with which you have no knowledge; indeed, your hearing (everything you heard), your sight (everything you observed), your conscience (everything you thought), in fact, all of these (your faculties) shall be called for questioning (on the Day of Judgment).’ 

This reminds us that what we consume with our eyes and ears matters, and mindful choices protect us from heedlessness. 

Hadith Reminder 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6412, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time.’ 

This teaches us that wasting time is a neglected danger and using it wisely is a form of gratitude. 

By modelling balance, transparency, and accountability in media habits, parents quietly guide older children to see that discipline with screens is not about restriction but about valuing health, attention, and time, all of which are amanah (trusts) from Allah Almighty.