What is the right way to address a child’s fascination with horror content that disturbs their sleep? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child is drawn to scary content but then suffers from fear at night, it is important to respond with empathy and gentle education, not shame. Your goal is to help them understand the connection between what they watch and how they feel. 

Empathise with Their Feelings 

Start by validating their experience. You can say, ‘I know that scary stories can feel exciting to watch, but I have noticed they seem to be making bedtime feel a little less safe for you’. This shows that you understand the appeal while gently highlighting the negative consequence. 

Gently Explain How the Brain Works 

Use a simple analogy to explain why scary images linger. You could say, ‘Our brains are like sponges; they soak up everything we see. Even when we know something is pretend, our brain can keep replaying the scary pictures at night, which stops us from feeling peaceful’. This gives them a practical reason to avoid such content. 

Phase Out and Replace the Content 

Firmly but calmly limit access to the horror content, explaining that your job is to protect their heart and their sleep. At the same time, proactively offer exciting but safe alternatives. This could be an adventurous mystery series, a fascinating animal documentary, or a funny suspense story, which provides thrills without the psychological harm. 

Create a Soothing Bedtime Ritual 

Counter the frightening images by introducing a powerful and positive bedtime routine. This should include calming activities like reciting the last verses of Surah Al Baqarah, making Dhikr together, and reminding them that Allah is the ultimate Protector. This helps to actively replace their feelings of fear with a sense of spiritual tranquillity and safety. 

With this compassionate and firm approach, parents can guide their children away from the distressing cycle of fear-based entertainment. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that true peace comes from the remembrance of Allah and that He has given us powerful tools to seek protection from all fears. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ra’ad (13), Verse 28: 

‘…Indeed, it is only with the remembrance of Allah (Almighty) that one can (and does) find peace of mind and heart.’ 

This verse provides the perfect antidote to the fear and anxiety that horror content creates. It reminds us that while thrilling distractions can agitate the heart, true and lasting peace is found only in turning to Allah and grounding ourselves in faith. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us specific words to seek protection. 

It is recorded in Musnad Ahmad, 474, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever says “In the name of Allah, with Whose Name nothing on earth or in the heavens can harm, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing,” three times, nothing will harm him.‘ 

Teaching this beautiful Dua to a child is incredibly empowering. It is not just a comforting phrase; it is a prophetic tool that gives them a direct action to take when they feel afraid. It replaces the feeling of helplessness with a powerful sense of trust in Allah’s protection. 

By replacing fear-inducing habits with spiritually soothing routines, parents can raise children who find their peace and protection in Allah, choosing courage and faith over a fascination with harmful content.