How can we help children recognise when online admiration is fleeting and not a true reflection of their value? 

Parenting Perspective 

Lasting Worth vs. Temporary Praise 

Start by explaining the difference between temporary praise and lasting worth. You can use an analogy, explaining that online attention is like writing in the sand at the beach; it is exciting for a moment but is quickly washed away by the next wave. In contrast, their true value is like a rock, built from their good character, skills, and faith, which remains strong and steady regardless of the tides of public opinion. 

Illustrating the Nature of Fame 

Discuss real-world examples of fame’s temporary nature. Talk about viral stars or trends that were incredibly popular for a short time and then forgotten. Balance this by discussing people who are respected for decades, not for their fleeting popularity, but for their integrity, knowledge, and positive contributions to society. 

Building an Internal Sense of Worth 

Encourage your child to find joy and satisfaction in their own efforts and achievements, independent of an audience. When they learn a new skill or complete a difficult task, praise their hard work and perseverance. This helps them learn to validate themselves from within, reducing their dependence on external praise for a sense of accomplishment. 

Understanding the Emotional Rollercoaster 

Have open conversations about the feelings associated with online attention. Help them notice the high they feel when a post does well, and the inevitable low when the attention fades or a post is ignored. This helps them recognise that relying on fleeting admiration for happiness is an unstable and often disappointing path, whereas true confidence comes from within. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam provides a powerful lens through which to view worldly attention, reminding us of its temporary nature and guiding us towards what is eternal. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hadid (57), Verse 20: 

‘Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children…‘ 

This verse perfectly describes the culture of social media. It serves as a reminder to children that much of what they see online, from boasting to competition, is a temporary diversion. True and lasting success is not measured by this worldly game but by one’s standing with Allah. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us where to focus our efforts to gain the only approval that truly matters. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, 2564, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah does not look at your bodies nor your appearances, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.‘ 

This teaches children a profound lesson in value. While an online audience gives fleeting attention to appearances, Allah’s gaze is constant and focused on what is real and eternal: the sincerity in their hearts and the righteousness of their deeds. This is the only admiration worth seeking.