What is the rule for emojis and tone so jokes are not misread? 

Parenting Perspective 

In digital conversations, tone can be very difficult to interpret. What a child types as a light-hearted joke can easily be read as sarcasm or meanness by the recipient, who cannot see the sender’s facial expression or hear their vocal warmth. Children often learn this the hard way, when a friend replies with, ‘That was not funny,’ or simply stops responding to the chat. You can help your child by teaching them a simple rule for using emojis and setting the right tone: if your words could be misread, add ‘kindness cues.’ If they are already sharp, pause and rethink before sending. 

Explain Why Digital Jokes Need ‘Kindness Cues’ 

Start by explaining the challenge of digital communication. You can say: ‘When you send a text, people cannot see you smile. A joke sent without any context can feel cold or even cutting. Emojis or softening words like “just kidding” add back the smile that is missing from the screen.’ Understanding this gap between their intention and the other person’s perception can motivate them to be more careful. 

Offer a ‘Safe Joke’ Checklist 

Give your child a simple, three-step mental checklist to run through before sending a joke. 

• Check the words: Are the words kind on their own, or do they only work if the other person knows you are not being serious? 

• Never joke about sensitive topics: Avoid any humour that touches on a person’s appearance, abilities, or past mistakes. 

This simple checklist helps to keep jokes light and significantly reduces the chance of misinterpretation. 

Provide Clear Examples of How to Soften a Joke 

Show them the difference that a small addition can make. 

• Instead of: ‘Wow, you are so slow’ – this can sound like a direct insult. 

• A better way: ‘Wow, you are so slow – I am just teasing!’ 

• Instead of: ‘You lost again’ – this can feel like mocking. 

• A better way: ‘You lost again but you will get me next round!’ 

Adding a light-hearted emoji and a positive follow-up phrase can instantly shift the tone from an attack to a playful comment. 

Provide ‘Repair’ Lines for When a Joke Is Misread 

If a joke still lands badly, teach your child how to repair the situation quickly and sincerely. 

• ‘I am so sorry, I meant that as a joke and did not mean to upset you.’ 

• ‘That came out the wrong way. I was only teasing.’ 

A quick and honest repair can keep trust intact when a mistake has been made. 

Spiritual Insight 

Speak in a Way That Protects Hearts 

The noble Quran guides believers to choose their words carefully, selecting those that heal and connect, rather than those that harm. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verses 53: 

‘And inform My servants that they should speak in only the politest manner (when they speak to the extremists in disbelief); indeed, Satan is (always ready for) infusing anarchy between them, as indeed, Satan is the most visible enemy for mankind.’ 

This verse reminds us that our words can either create connection or be used by Satan to sow conflict. Adding ‘kindness cues’ to a digital joke and avoiding any humour that could be taken as an insult is a practical way of following the command to say ‘that which is best.’ 

The Prophet’s ﷺExample of Gentle Humour 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had a sense of humour, but his jokes were always light, truthful, and never used to undermine another person’s dignity. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 1990, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘I also joke, but I only speak the truth.’ 

This hadith shows that humour is a welcome part of the Islamic tradition, as long as it is honest and gentle. A parent can explain: ‘Joking is a sunnah when it brings joy and uplifts people. Our Prophet ﷺ never made jokes that humiliated or hurt others. Your emojis and your tone should also keep your humour gentle and kind.’ 

By rooting their digital humour in the principles of the Quran and Sunnah, children learn that laughter is not just for fun, but for bonding hearts.