How do I help my child notice feelings after watching something scary? 

Parenting Perspective 

Normalise Their Feelings 

It is very common for children to watch something, a clip, a cartoon, or a video, that leaves them feeling unsettled, scared, or full of thoughts they cannot name. Many children hide this worry because they feel silly for being scared or fear getting into trouble for watching it. Start by reassuring your child that feeling scared after seeing something is normal and does not make them weak. Use gentle words: ‘Sometimes things on screens can stick in our mind and make our heart feel tight. It is okay; we can talk about it.’ 

Help Them Check In and Cope 

Ask your child what they saw and how it made them feel inside. Stay calm, even if you wish they had not seen it, and listen without blame. You might say, ‘Did it make your tummy feel funny? Did it feel difficult to sleep?’ This helps your child learn to check in with their feelings instead of pushing them down. Offer simple steps they can try next time: turning it off straight away, telling you, or closing their eyes and remembering it is not real. Show them how to ‘change the channel’ in their mind with something comforting, like a good story, soft Dhikr, or a warm bedtime chat. Praise any effort they make to share what they feel. Over time, these gentle tools help your child to trust that fear does not have to stay trapped inside; you will always help them to handle it. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to guard our eyes and hearts from what can harm them and to remember that Allah Almighty knows every hidden fear. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Noor (24), Verse 30: 

‘Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) to the believing men to lower their gaze (upon forbidden things); and protect their private parts (with chastity)…‘

This Ayah reminds us that what we see affects our hearts, and that we can protect ourselves by choosing carefully. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3372, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Dua is worship.‘

Teach your child to whisper a short Dua if they feel scared after watching something: ‘Ya Allah, protect my heart from fear.’ This gentle habit links their feelings to a trust in Allah Almighty’s care. Over time, your warm guidance will show your child that their mind and heart are precious gifts that can be guarded and calmed, and that Allah Almighty is always near when scary images try to linger.