How can I talk to my child about feeling upset after using social media? 

Parenting Perspective 

Normalise Their Feelings 

Social media can stir up all kinds of difficult feelings in children, such as sadness, jealousy, anger, or feeling left out. Many children scroll through photos or comments and feel worse about themselves but do not know how to explain it. You can start by letting your child know that it is normal to feel upset sometimes after using social media. Use gentle words: ‘Sometimes what we see online makes our heart feel heavy. It does not mean there is something wrong with you.’ 

Help Them Notice Patterns 

Ask your child what they saw that made them feel this way. Listen fully without jumping in with blame or panic. Help them to notice patterns: ‘Does this happen when you compare yourself to someone? Or when you see unkind comments?’ Talk about how people often share only the best parts of their lives online, the fun and the smiles, but not the struggles. Teach your child to pause and ask themselves, ‘Is this real life or just a picture?’ Create a family habit of ‘checking in’ after using screens: ‘How does your heart feel right now?’ Praise your child for sharing honestly, even if the feelings are uncomfortable. Over time, these gentle check-ins will help your child to learn that their worth does not come from likes, followers, or perfect pictures, but from their effort, kindness, and honesty. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to guard our hearts from jealousy, comparison, and envy, especially when looking at what others have. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Falaq (113), Verse 5: 

‘(Refuge from) the wickedness of the envious when they are jealous.‘

Remind your child that comparing themselves to what they see online can harm their heart, but turning back to Allah Almighty brings peace. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3372, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Dua is worship.‘

Encourage your child to make a simple Dua when they feel upset after scrolling: ‘Ya Allah, protect my heart from envy and make me content.’ This small habit reminds them that real joy does not come from perfect images but from trusting in Allah Almighty’s blessings for them. By talking openly and guiding them back to their faith, you help your child to see that their heart is too precious to be shaped by fleeting pictures; it can stay strong, calm, and full of hope.