How can parents tell if a child’s sudden silence or withdrawal is linked to seeing something harmful online? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child suddenly becomes unusually quiet, withdrawn, or secretive, it can sometimes be a signal that they have encountered something distressing online, whether that is inappropriate content, an incident of cyberbullying, or frightening news. It is important for parents to be attentive to these shifts without being intrusive, looking for patterns that might connect their child’s change in behaviour to their use of digital devices. 

Watch for Emotional Shifts After Screen Time 

If your child generally seems fine but you notice them becoming anxious, upset, or unusually silent immediately after using a phone or tablet, this may indicate they have been exposed to something harmful. These patterns that are directly tied to their online activity are important clues. 

Notice Avoidance and Secrecy 

A child who quickly minimises a screen when a parent walks into the room, suddenly hides their device, or becomes evasive when asked about what they were doing may be trying to cover up an uncomfortable experience. This shift towards secrecy can be a significant red flag. 

Look for Behavioural Changes Beyond Mood 

Sudden and unexplained changes in other areas of their life, such as disrupted sleep, a new reluctance to go to school, a loss of interest in hobbies they once loved, or increased irritability, can all be connected to online stressors. These shifts in behaviour are often more telling than a single bad mood. 

Open Gentle Conversations 

Instead of interrogating your child, which can cause them to shut down, it is better to approach the topic gently. You could say something like: ‘I have noticed you have seemed a little quiet after being online recently. Did you happen to see something that upset you?’ This approach keeps the door open for an honest conversation by removing any sense of blame. 

By staying observant, patient, and approachable, parents can learn to identify when their child’s silence is more than just a passing mood, and is in fact a sign that they are in need of comfort and guidance. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that parents are the designated shepherds of their households, responsible for watching over their children with the utmost care. A fundamental part of this sacred trust is protecting children from all forms of harm, whether they be physical, emotional, or digital. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tahreem (66), Verses 6: 

‘ O you who are believers, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire (of Jahannam) whose fuel is people and stones…’ 

This verse is a powerful reminder that the duty to safeguard one’s children from all forms of harm, including dangerous and corrupting online influences, is a sacred one. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1829, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Every one of you is a shepherd and every one of you will be asked about his flock. A ruler is a shepherd over his people, a man is a shepherd over his family, and a woman is a shepherd over her household’ 

This teaching establishes that parents are in a position of trust and will be held accountable by Allah for how they protect and guide the children under their care. 

By linking their quiet observation and gentle guidance to this immense sense of responsibility, parents can learn to approach a child’s withdrawal not with panic, but with the wisdom and care that their role demands. Over time, this helps children to understand that their parents’ watchfulness comes not from a desire to control, but from a place of deep love, a desire for protection, and the timeless values of their faith.