How can we role-play safe responses to suspicious online messages with younger children? 

Parenting Perspective 

Role-playing is an effective and gentle way to build a child’s confidence in handling difficult situations. It allows them to practise in a safe space, so their response can become automatic if ever needed. 

Keep the Scenarios Simple and Age-Appropriate 

With younger children, avoid any complex or frightening details. Use short, clear examples such as, ‘What would you do if someone you do not know asks for your name online?’ This keeps the focus on the correct action, not on scary possibilities. 

Act Out Both Sides of the Conversation 

Take turns acting out the scenario. You can play the role of the person sending the message, and let your child practise their response. Swapping roles can help them to understand both perspectives and feel more confident in spotting a strange request. 

Emphasise the ‘Stop, Block, Tell’ Rule 

Throughout your role-play, consistently reinforce a simple three-step rule: Stop replying, block the sender, and tell a trusted adult immediately. Repetition helps these crucial steps to become second nature for them. 

Give Praise for Correct Responses 

When your child responds correctly during your practice, offer plenty of praise for their good thinking and confidence. Positive reinforcement helps them to remember and repeat the safe behaviour in a real situation. 

This practice-based approach builds skills and confidence, preparing your child to be safer online. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to balance our ultimate trust in Allah’s protection with taking practical, worldly precautions to safeguard ourselves and our families. 

Preparedness is Part of Wisdom 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yusuf (12), Verse 67, that Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob) advised his sons to take precautions when entering the city, before reminding them: 

‘And I cannot avail you against Allah at all. The decision is only for Allah; upon Him I have relied, and upon Him let those who would rely indeed rely…’ 

This reminds us that while our ultimate trust and reliance are upon Allah, taking sensible precautions is a part of acting with wisdom. 

Proactive Protection from Harm 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2517, that a man asked the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about his camel, saying: 

‘Should I tie it and rely (upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely (upon Allah)?’ He said: ‘Tie it and rely (upon Allah).’ 

This famous hadith teaches us that true reliance on Allah is paired with practical action. Safeguarding oneself through sensible measures, like rehearsing safe online responses, is an essential part of faith.