How should parents approach a child who feels addicted to watching prank or humiliation videos? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child develops a habit of watching prank or humiliation videos, it can be concerning for parents. The constant exposure to cruelty disguised as humour can desensitise a child’s heart and normalise harmful behaviour. It is important to address this issue with a calm and educational approach, helping the child to develop empathy and to understand the real-world impact of such content. 

Understand the Attraction 

Children are often drawn to these videos because they appear funny and exciting. The thrill of seeing someone embarrassed or tricked can become compelling, especially when online platforms continuously recommend similar content. Parents should first recognise that behind this attraction is often a mixture of curiosity, peer influence, and a simple desire for quick entertainment. 

Discuss the Hidden Harm 

It is important to have a calm conversation with your child, explaining that such videos often normalise cruelty and disrespect. You can help them to understand that what seems like harmless fun online can encourage insensitivity in real life, making it easier to dismiss the feelings of others. By discussing the impact on the person being humiliated, you can help your child to develop empathy and to recognise that true humour never comes at the expense of another person’s dignity. 

Offer Alternatives and Balance 

Encourage your children to explore healthier and more positive forms of entertainment. You might suggest educational channels, creative projects, or even other comedy videos that bring joy without harming or degrading others. Creating dedicated time for offline family activities, reading, or outdoor play also provides natural alternatives to screen time, helping your child to find a better balance. 

Guide With Patience and Consistency 

Breaking an unhealthy media habit does not happen overnight. It is important to approach the matter with patience and consistency, setting clear and reasonable screen-time boundaries while also modelling restraint in your own media consumption. Offer praise and encouragement when you see your child choosing better content, as this will motivate them to move away from videos that feed a desire for unkindness. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam strictly forbids mockery and teaches that the dignity of every person is to be honoured. A believer’s sense of humour should be rooted in kindness and joy, not in finding amusement in the humiliation of others. By connecting your child’s entertainment choices to their faith, you can help to strengthen their moral compass. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 11: 

‘ Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them…’ 

This is a direct command against the very act of mockery that humiliation videos are based on. It reminds us that belittling others is forbidden, as it strips them of their God-given dignity and may in fact be a sign of our own spiritual weakness. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 41, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe.’ 

This foundational teaching clarifies that a true believer should be a source of safety and peace for others, not a source of harm, even in jest. Enjoying the humiliation of another person contradicts this core principle of our faith. 

By helping your children to see that Islam honours kindness and empathy, you can anchor them in values that naturally protect them from the appeal of cruel humour. This helps them to learn that true and lasting enjoyment comes from that which uplifts the soul, not that which degrades it.