How do I guide polite correction over text or social media? 

Parenting Perspective 

The Importance of Tone 

Text and social media messages are often misunderstood because a tone of voice and facial expressions are missing. When your child needs to correct someone, they must learn to do so politely so their words do not come across as rude or dismissive. Teaching this skill helps them maintain respect while still expressing their point. 

Encouraging Gentle Phrasing 

You should encourage your child to begin with softening phrases, such as, “I think what you meant was…” or “Just to clarify…” instead of using blunt corrections. These words can reduce defensiveness and keep the tone polite. 

You should also teach them that emojis, greetings, or short kindnesses, such as, “I hope you are doing well,” before offering a correction can make a big difference in how the message is received. You can model and practise together by role-playing text exchanges at home. For example, if a friend gets a fact wrong, you can practise how to reply with respect by saying, “Actually, I read it was on Friday; thought I would share.” This builds both confidence and empathy in their digital conversations. Guiding polite correction helps your child balance honesty with respect, strengthening both their friendships and their online presence. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 125: 

‘Invite (people) to (follow) the (prescribed) pathways of your Sustainer with wisdom, and polite enlightened direction, and only argue with them in the politest manner…’ 

This verse reminds us that any form of correction or guidance should be delivered with wisdom, kindness, and the best possible words. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 45, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.’ 

This teaches us that polite correction must come from a place of care and sincerity, just as we would wish others to correct us kindly if we made a mistake. When you teach your child to offer polite correction over text or social media, you help them carry Islamic manners into the digital world. They learn that sincerity is not enough; the delivery matters, too. By practising respect in their writing, they can protect their friendships, spread goodness, and embody a faith-centred character online.