What if my child prefers screens over people? How do I bring them back to real connection? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child consistently chooses screens over social interaction, it often means that digital spaces feel safer, more predictable, or more immediately rewarding than the complexities of real-life relationships. This can happen if they find in-person interactions overwhelming, or if screen-based activities meet their need for fun more quickly. Your role is not to villainise screens, but to make real-world connection feel appealing and safe again. 

Understand the ‘Why’ Behind the Preference 

Before intervening, try to observe and understand why your child turns to screens. Is it a response to shyness, boredom, difficulty with group dynamics, or simply a deeply ingrained habit? Knowing the root cause helps you to respond with empathy and effectiveness, rather than treating the preference as mere defiance. The goal is to solve the underlying problem, not just manage the symptom. 

Make Real-Life Interaction Low-Pressure 

Instead of pushing your child into large, potentially overwhelming gatherings, begin with small and relaxed interactions. You could invite one trusted friend or cousin over for a short, structured activity like baking, playing a board game, or working on an art project. This approach keeps the focus on shared enjoyment rather than on ‘socialising’ as a performance or a task. 

Bridge Their Digital and Physical Worlds 

Use their screen-based interests as a bridge to offline engagement. If your child loves a particular building game, get them a set of LEGO or wooden blocks and challenge them to recreate their digital designs. If they enjoy a certain show, create a themed scavenger hunt in your home or garden. This validates their interests while gently guiding them back to three-dimensional play. 

Model and Prioritise Human Connection 

Children take powerful cues from what they see their parents do. Make a conscious effort to put down your own devices during family time, initiate small but meaningful conversations, and show warmth and affection in your everyday interactions. Your consistent, present example sets the emotional tone for what real connection looks and feels like in your family. 

The goal is not to make screens the enemy, but to gradually restore the joy and comfort your child can find in real-life bonds, so that people and relationships become just as rewarding as the digital world. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that our relationships are among the greatest blessings and responsibilities we have been given. While technology can help us to maintain connections across distances, it should never replace the sincerity, warmth, and spiritual benefit (barakah) that comes from being truly present with one another. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 10: 

‘Indeed, the believers are brothers (to each other); so, make peace with your brothers; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty) so that you may receive His Mercy…’ 

This verse reminds us that the bonds between people are sacred and that we are commanded to actively preserve them. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 4910, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Do not cut off relations, do not turn your backs on each other, do not hate each other, and do not envy each other. Be, O slaves of Allah, brothers.’ 

This hadith makes it clear that nurturing relationships and maintaining unity is not just a social nicety, but a core component of faith itself. By helping your child ease back into real-life connection with patience and shared joy, you are protecting both their social well-being and their spiritual health. Over time, they will learn that while screens can entertain, only human connection can truly satisfy the heart.