Parenting Perspective 

When a child’s peers bring the latest gadgets to school, it often triggers a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and social pressure. While some children may genuinely enjoy admiring or trying out the new item, others can feel left out, envious, or inadequate if they do not have something similar to show. 

Common Emotional Reactions 

The presence of new gadgets can bring up a range of difficult emotions for a child. 

• Envy and Frustration: They may feel a strong sense of jealousy, wishing they had the same device. 

• Shame and Insecurity: Those without the latest items may begin to see themselves as less important or popular within their social group. 

• Exaggerated Excitement: Some may overstate their admiration for the gadget simply to feel included in the conversation. 

The Behavioural Consequences 

These feelings can lead to negative behaviours, both at school and at home. 

• Children may pressure their parents to buy similar gadgets, which can create conflict. 

• Some might distance themselves from their peers to avoid the pain of comparison. 

• In some cases, children may feel tempted to borrow items without permission or lie about what they own. 

Guiding Children Through Gadget Pressure 

Parents can help their children build resilience against this type of peer pressure. 

• Talk openly about advertising and peer influence, explaining that trends do not define a person’s value. 

• Encourage gratitude for what they already have, shifting their focus from what they lack to what they possess. 

• Help them to focus on friendships based on shared values, kindness, and fun, rather than on possessions. 

• Set clear and consistent family boundaries regarding gadgets, while always showing empathy for their feelings. 

These steps can help children to develop confidence and a balanced perspective in the face of a gadget-focused peer culture. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam warns against the dangers of envy and developing an excessive attachment to material things. While modern gadgets can be useful tools, they should never be allowed to become a measure of a person’s status or a source of pride. 

A Quranic Warning Against Rivalry 

The Quran reminds us that competing over worldly possessions is a distraction that can divert us from our true purpose in life. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Takaathur (102), Verses 1-2: 

‘Are you diverted by the obsession of infinite (worldly wealth)? Until such time as you observe the place of your demise (on this Earth). ‘ 

This verse highlights how rivalry over material things can consume a person’s life, distracting them from what truly matters. 

The Prophetic Reminder on Envy 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that envy is a destructive force that can poison relationships and destroy the fabric of the community. 

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

‘Do not envy one another, and do not inflate prices for one another, and do not hate one another, and do not turn away from one another. But be servants of Allah as brothers.’ 

This hadith shows that envy over possessions destroys brotherhood, while unity and sincerity preserve it. 

By reminding children that gadgets are merely tools and not measures of a person’s worth, parents can redirect their focus towards gratitude and sincerity. This helps children to develop resilience against peer pressure and to grow up valuing character over possessions.