What is a child-friendly script for speaking up if they see someone treated unfairly? 

Parenting Perspective 

Standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly is one of the greatest lessons in moral courage that a child can learn. It is how their empathy is turned into meaningful action. Yet, children can often hesitate in these moments. They may fear saying the wrong thing, drawing unwanted attention to themselves, or making the situation worse. Teaching them how to speak up wisely and kindly helps them to protect others while still maintaining a sense of safety, dignity, and respect. The goal is not to be loud, but to be a brave and balanced voice for fairness. 

Beginning with the Principle of Courage and Care 

You can start by explaining, ‘If you ever see someone being left out, teased, or blamed unfairly, your voice can make a real difference. Even very small words can help someone to feel seen and safe.’ This helps your child to understand that standing up for others is an act of kindness, not a confrontation. 

Teaching a Simple and Safe Script 

Offer your child clear, age-appropriate lines they can use in different situations. 

If they want to offer direct support, they could say: 

• ‘That is not fair; please stop.’ 

• ‘Hey, that was not very kind. Can we try to be nicer?’ 

If they would prefer to use a gentle redirection, they could try: 

• ‘Let us talk about something else.’ 

• ‘Come on, that is not nice. Let us play together instead.’ 

These sentences are short, calm, and firm, designed to stop any harm without escalating the situation. 

Practising Through Role-Play 

Role-playing gives your child the words and the tone they will need before the moment arises, which can help to turn their good intentions into confident action. For example: 

Parent (as classmate): ‘You cannot play with us because you are too slow.’ 

Child: ‘That is not fair. Everyone should get a chance to play.’ 

Parent: ‘That was strong and kind at the same time. That was just right.’ 

Teaching the Importance of Tone, Posture, and Calmness 

You can advise your child, ‘You do not have to sound angry to be brave. Just try to speak clearly, stand up tall, and keep your voice steady. Calm words can carry a lot of power.’ 

Encouraging the Bystander’s Strength 

It is also helpful to explain, ‘Even if you feel you cannot fix the situation, just showing kindness to the person who was treated badly still matters. Simply sitting next to them, listening to them, or saying, “I saw what happened,” can mean a lot.’ 

Reinforcing Safety and Good Judgment 

You should also explain, ‘If a situation ever feels unsafe, it is better to go and tell an adult instead of stepping in all by yourself. Being brave also includes knowing when to get help.’ This helps to balance their courage with a sense of caution. 

Praising Their Effort, Not Just the Outcome 

When your child makes an effort to do good, even in a small way, praise them for it. For instance, ‘You spoke so kindly for someone who really needed it. That shows real courage and a good heart.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a deep and abiding value on the principles of justice and compassion. The act of speaking up against unfairness, when it is done with wisdom and gentleness, is a part of our iman (faith). Teaching your child to stand for what is right, without arrogance or anger, helps to build their moral backbone and their spiritual integrity. 

The Quranic Call to Stand for Justice 

The Quran teaches that believers must uphold a sense of fairness, even when it is difficult to do so. It is a sacred responsibility that must be undertaken with the right intention. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verses 135: 

‘ O you who are believers, remain upright in upholding justice, bearing witness (to such actions) for the sake of Allah (Almighty); even if it goes against your own interest, or that of your parents, or your close relatives…’ 

When your child says, “That is not fair; please stop,” they are reflecting the spirit of this verse in their action. 

The Prophetic Example of Helping Others 

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ perfectly capture the balance your child is learning. True support means protecting both sides of a conflict with compassion and courage by stopping the wrongdoing itself. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2444, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or is oppressed.” A man asked, “O Messenger of Allah! I help him when he is oppressed, but how can I help him when he is an oppressor?” The Prophet ﷺ said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.‘ 

This hadith shows us that standing for justice is an act of mercy for everyone involved. 

When your child learns to say, “That is not fair; please stop,” they are taking a brave step towards their own moral maturity. They are discovering that kindness does not have to mean silence, and that courage does not have to be cruel. 

Each respectful stand they take helps to build their empathy, confidence, and conscience, which are all qualities that strengthen both their faith and their humanity. Over time, they will come to understand that justice begins not in grand acts, but in simple words that are spoken with kindness at just the right time. 

In every moment that they choose to defend fairness, your child comes to reflect the prophetic spirit of justice: standing tall for what is right, guided by a deep sense of mercy, and pleasing Allah Almighty through their compassion in action.