How can I use media time to teach them what not to copy? 

Parenting Perspective 

Managing media time can often feel like a battle for parents. While you cannot control everything your child is exposed to, you can transform passive viewing into an active teaching opportunity. Children often imitate what they watch without critical thought, so your guidance is essential in helping them build discernment. The aim is to move beyond mere protection and towards empowerment, teaching your child how to process and filter content for themselves. 

Watch Together When Possible 

Whenever you can, watch shows and videos with your child. Co-viewing allows you to identify problematic behaviours in the moment and use them as a springboard for discussion. 

‘Did you notice how that character shouted to get what they wanted? That might seem funny on a show, but in real life, it is a disrespectful way to communicate.’ 

This helps your child understand that context matters and not everything portrayed in media is acceptable to imitate. 

Pause and Discuss 

When you see a rude joke, a violent act, or an exaggerated dramatic reaction, pause the show and ask gentle, guiding questions. 

• ‘What do you think would happen if someone did that in real life?’ 

• ‘How do you think that made the other character feel?’ 

By asking these questions, you are training your child to become an active viewer who evaluates behaviour, rather than a passive one who simply absorbs it. 

Highlight Positive Examples 

Balance your corrections by also pointing out the positive actions you see. 

‘I really like how that character decided to help their friend, even when it was difficult. That is the kind of behaviour worth copying.’ 

This maintains a constructive tone and shows your child that media can also be a source of inspiration for good habits. 

Set Family Media Rules 

Make it clear that some on-screen behaviours must remain in the realm of entertainment and are not to be brought into your home. 

‘We can laugh at the silly things characters do on TV, but in our family, we have a rule that we always speak to each other with respect.’ 

This consistency helps children to distinguish between fiction and your family’s core values. 

Praise Critical Thinking 

When your child, on their own, points out something inappropriate they have seen, praise their observation. 

‘That is a very smart point. You realised that behaviour was not kind. That shows you are really thinking for yourself.’ 

This builds their confidence and reinforces their ability to filter what they watch. By engaging with media alongside your child, you can shape it into an opportunity to strengthen their character. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to be mindful and responsible with what we allow our eyes to see and our ears to hear, reminding us that we are accountable for our attention. Helping children to navigate media wisely is a crucial part of nurturing their sense of spiritual accountability. 

Even when correcting, our approach should be one of wisdom and gentle instruction. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 125: 

‘ Invite (people) to (follow) the (prescribed) pathways of your Sustainer with wisdom, and polite enlightened direction, and only argue with them in the politest manner…’ 

This verse guides our parenting approach. Using media as a tool for “good instruction” by pausing and discussing is a form of inviting our children to the path of good character with wisdom, rather than just through commands. 

A sign of a good Muslim is the ability to turn away from that which is harmful or of no benefit. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2317, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Part of a person’s being a good Muslim is leaving alone that which does not concern him.’ 

This hadith teaches a vital principle of discernment. We should focus only on what is beneficial and avoid that which is harmful or useless. This applies to speech, actions, and the entertainment we consume. By using media time as a space for guided reflection, you help your child learn to filter what they see through the lens of faith. Over time, they will learn not only to avoid copying negative behaviours but also to seek out habits that honour their character.