Parenting Perspective 

Connect Digital Choices to an Act of Faith 

Parents can help their children to see that every digital choice impacts their heart. Explaining, ‘When you choose beneficial content online, you are nourishing your mind and your iman. When you turn away from something harmful, you are protecting your soul,’ reframes technology use as an integral part of faith. This helps a child to see mindful choices as something purposeful, rather than just another restriction. 

Model Mindful Discipline 

Children learn most powerfully from what they observe. A parent who pauses before opening an app, avoids idle scrolling, or uses a spare moment for du’a instead of their phone, shows their child that online discipline is a reflection of real-life discipline. These small, conscious actions, such as silencing notifications for prayer, teach by example that iman is strengthened through deliberate choices. 

Reinforce Positive Digital Habits 

A family can reinforce these values by celebrating mindful behaviour. Praising a child for choosing an Islamic lecture over mindless videos, or for putting their device down for salah without being asked, provides powerful encouragement. This helps children to associate digital discipline with positive feelings like self-respect, inner peace, and their own spiritual development. 

Spiritual Insight 

Accountability for Our Daily Actions 

The Quran reminds believers to be mindful of the actions they are sending forth for the next life. This applies to all deeds, including our digital consumption, which should be guided by an awareness of our eventual accountability to Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hashar (59), Verse 18: 

‘ All those of you who are believers, seek piety from Allah (Almighty); and let every person anticipate (the consequences of) what they have sent forth (in the Hereafter) for the next day; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty); as indeed, Allah (Almighty) is fully Cognisant with all your actions.‘ 

The Believer’s Restraint 

The life of a believer is one of mindful restraint. While this world may seem like a paradise of endless digital temptations for those without faith, the believer finds strength and honour in choosing discipline for the sake of Allah. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 2324, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.’ 

Every Action is Part of Our Journey 

By linking mindful choices to faith, modelling them consistently, and celebrating their children’s efforts, parents can show that digital discipline is not simply about avoiding what is harmful, but is a way of actively strengthening one’s iman. This teaches children that every click and scroll is a part of their personal journey with Allah.