How can parents talk to a 10-year-old about classmates sharing TikTok challenges without making them overly curious? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child hears about online trends from their friends, their curiosity is natural. The goal is to inform them about potential risks without making the forbidden seem more attractive. A calm, proactive conversation is key. 

Start a Calm, Matter-of-Fact Conversation 

Begin by acknowledging the reality of online trends in a neutral tone. You could say, ‘I know there are lots of fun challenges online, but it is also important to know that some of them can be risky or unkind’. This matter-of-fact approach educates them without creating unnecessary intrigue or fear. 

Teach Smart Judgment, Not Fear 

Instead of listing dangerous challenges, which might increase curiosity, focus on building their own internal filter. Give them a simple principle to apply: ‘Before you ever join in with something online, ask yourself: Would I be proud to show this to my teacher or my grandparents?’ This empowers them with a tool for critical thinking. 

Position Yourself as a Safe Guide 

Open the door for future conversations by creating a no-shame policy. Reassure your child by saying, ‘If you ever see a video at school that makes you feel weird or unsure, you can always tell me about it. You will never get in trouble for being honest’. When they know you are a safe person to talk to, you stay in the loop. 

Offer Fun, Safe Alternatives 

Help your child feel included in “challenge culture” in a wholesome way. Suggest and participate in fun family alternatives, like a weekend baking challenge, a sports skills contest, or a creative building competition. This provides a positive replacement for the negative trends they might hear about. 

By approaching the topic with calm wisdom, you can arm your child with the judgment they need to navigate peer conversations safely and confidently. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to be responsible for what we watch and imitate, and to find dignity in avoiding that which is not beneficial. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 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 verse is a powerful reminder that our curiosity must be guided by responsibility. It teaches a child that we are accountable to Allah for what we choose to see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and engage with in our hearts. This includes blindly following online trends without knowing if they are safe or good. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that a sign of a good Muslim is their focus on what is meaningful. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, 3976, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is leaving that which does not concern him.‘ 

This beautiful principle of dignified focus is a perfect guide for navigating the world of viral trends. It teaches children that true maturity and wisdom come from busying oneself with what is beneficial and wholesome, and having the self-respect to ignore frivolous or harmful content, even if it is popular.