How can parents identify when addictive algorithms are keeping their child online longer than intended? 

Parenting Perspective 

Many online platforms are designed to maximise engagement, using algorithms to serve up an endless stream of content. Recognising the signs of this influence can help you protect your child’s time and well-being. 

Notice Changes in Time Awareness 

A key sign is if your child regularly loses track of time while online, sometimes forgetting about meals, chores, or even bedtime. This can indicate that algorithm-driven recommendations are keeping them hooked with a continuous flow of content. 

Watch for ‘Just One More’ Behaviour 

These platforms often feed users an endless stream of short videos or posts. If your child constantly struggles to log off, always promising to stop after ‘just one more,’ it is a sign that the platform is designed to prolong their engagement. 

Look for Declining Interest in Offline Activities 

A clear red flag is when your child begins to consistently skip hobbies, outdoor play, or family time that they previously enjoyed, preferring to stay online instead. This signals that their digital life is becoming prioritised over a balanced one. 

Track Mood Changes Linked to Screen Time 

Algorithms often promote highly stimulating or emotionally charged content. Notice if your child seems more irritable, anxious, or withdrawn after long periods online, as their mood may be affected by the content they are consuming. 

By observing these patterns, you can open a gentle conversation about how these platforms work and why balance is so important. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that our time is a precious trust from Allah, and we are encouraged to be mindful of how we spend it, avoiding that which distracts us from our ultimate purpose. 

Guarding Time as a Trust 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Asr (103), Verses 1–3: 

‘By time, Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience…’ 

This reminds us that our time is one of our most valuable assets, and we must be conscious of how we spend it to avoid falling into loss. 

Avoiding Distractions from Purpose 

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

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

This teaches us that allowing our free time to be consumed by algorithm-driven distractions is a waste of a valuable blessing that could otherwise be used for beneficial and productive activities.