How do I teach my child to talk about feelings instead of zoning out online? 

Parenting Perspective 

Help Them Notice the Pattern 

Many children use screens to escape feelings they do not know how to name, such as boredom, sadness, loneliness, or worry. They might scroll or play for hours to block out thoughts that feel uncomfortable. Helping your child to notice when they are ‘zoning out’ is the first step to opening up space for real conversation. Use gentle words: ‘Sometimes when our heart feels heavy, we try to hide from it by watching videos or playing games. But talking about it can help us feel lighter.’ 

Encourage Pausing Before Zoning Out 

Create calm times to ask gentle questions: ‘How does your heart feel before you pick up the screen? What feeling might you be trying to push away?’ Avoid blame; your goal is not to shame them but to understand what they are carrying inside. Suggest small ways to pause before grabbing a device, such as taking deep breaths, drawing a feeling, or telling you what is on their mind. Praise any moment they choose talking over zoning out, even if it is awkward at first. Let them know you are always there to listen, without punishment or a lecture. Over time, these small steps help your child to see that feelings are not scary guests to shut out; they can be shared, spoken about, and slowly soothed. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam guides us to protect our hearts from distractions that can numb us. Allah Almighty reminds us to stay aware and not let the world pull us away from truth and trust. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aala (87), Verse 16–17: 

‘Even then, you (O man) prefer the life of the (material) world, even though the Hereafter is superior and eternal.’ 

This teaches your child that zoning out too much can make the heart feel heavy and disconnected from what truly matters. 

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

‘Dua is worship.’ 

Encourage your child to make a short Dua when they feel like hiding behind their screens: ‘Ya Allah, help me share my feelings and keep my heart awake.’ This gentle prayer helps them to see that Allah Almighty wants them to feel, speak, and heal, not to stay lost in hours of empty scrolling. By guiding your child with warmth and faith, you show them that they never have to handle big feelings alone or hide them behind a screen; they can find safety in your arms and in Allah Almighty’s mercy.