How can we teach our child to greet politely and respectfully in online group chats or gaming lobbies, the same way they would in person? 

Parenting Perspective 

The anonymity of online spaces can sometimes make children forget basic manners. Teaching them to bring their real-world etiquette into their digital interactions is a key part of raising a responsible digital citizen. 

Draw Parallels Between Online and Offline Manners 

Explain that the basic rules of respect are the same everywhere. Just as they would say salaam or a polite hello when entering a friend’s house, it is good manners to do the same when joining a chat or a game. 

Practise Friendly Openers 

You can gently role-play a few common scenarios at home. Teach them some short, warm greetings like, ‘Assalamu alaikum everyone,’ or ‘Hi, how is the game going?’ This practice builds their confidence to do it for real. 

Encourage Observing Good Examples 

If you can, show them examples of polite online communities where players greet each other and communicate respectfully. Discuss how this kind of interaction builds a positive reputation and makes the game more enjoyable for everyone. 

Highlight the Impact of First Impressions 

Remind them that whether online or offline, first impressions count. A kind and respectful greeting makes other people more likely to be friendly and cooperative in return. 

These small habits help to create a more positive and respectful online environment for everyone. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Islamic tradition places immense importance on the greeting of peace (salaam) as a means of establishing respect, safety, and brotherhood. 

Greetings as a Form of Respect 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah An Noor (24), Verse 27: 

‘O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants…’ 

This teaches us that offering a greeting is an essential form of seeking permission and showing respect before any interaction begins, a principle that applies equally to entering digital spaces. 

Greetings as a Means of Building Love 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3692, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread the greeting of peace among yourselves.’ 

This reminds children that a warm and respectful greeting is more than just good manners; it is a powerful act of faith that builds bonds of love between people, even in the digital world.