Parenting Perspective 

Online trends can quickly transform simple dares into public spectacles. A smartphone, an audience, and a countdown are often enough to push a sensible young person into a reckless act. Your primary objective is to replace the hype with a rehearsed safety plan so that your child can maintain friendships without gambling with their life or the law. Anchor this simple truth at home: views vanish, but consequences do not. 

Reframe the “Thrills” of Risk 

It is essential to explain how the algorithm rewards extremes and deliberately hides the true dangers. Likes cannot cushion a fall, repair a spine, or erase a criminal record. Help your child name the usual traps they may encounter: 

• Rooftops and other perilous heights 

• Traffic “pranks” or jaywalking dares 

• Trespassing or breaking and entering 

• Misusing fireworks or explosives 

• Choking or fainting games 

• “Train surfing” or similar activities 

When your child can clearly label the trap, they are better equipped to step around it. 

Teach the Risk Test 

Provide your child with a five-second checklist to run through before agreeing to any stunt. If any answer causes hesitation or ‘stings’, the decision must be to refuse. 

• Body: Could this break bones, cause a severe injury, choke, or burn? 

• Other People: Could this startle drivers, harm innocent bystanders, or damage private property? 

• Law: Would an adult be arrested or charged for this action? 

• Camera: Would I still do this if I knew it would not be filmed or uploaded? 

• Conscience: Would I proceed with this if my parents or Allah Almighty were watching? 

The Stop–Script–Shift Routine 

This simple, three-step routine provides a practical, physical way to disengage from pressure: 

1. Stop: Remain still, lock the phone, and take a physical step out of the immediate peer circle. 

2. Script (one line): Deliver a short, decisive refusal, such as: ‘Not my thing; it is too risky,’ or ‘I am not doing illegal or hospital stuff.’ 

3. Shift: Immediately offer a safe, alternative activity. This could be a mini-challenge, a trick-shot, demonstrating a sports skill, or filming their safe attempts at something else. If the pressure continues, leave the area. Movement is often more effective than continuing an argument with words. 

Ready-to-Use Refusal Lines 

Practise short, kind, and closed lines that clearly communicate their boundary: 

• ‘I am not wrecking my body for views.’ 

• ‘I like my future more than a clip.’ 

• ‘Film me doing the safe version or I am out.’ 

• ‘If it needs a lookout, it needs a “no”.’ 

Coach their tone: a calm voice, a small smile, and feet set firmly. They should repeat the refusal once, then walk away. 

Buddy, Boundaries, Backup 

Establish a multi-layered safety net: 

• Buddy: Encourage your child to identify one or two friends who also dislike stupid risks. 

• Boundaries: Agree on hard, non-negotiable lines (no heights, no traffic, no fire, no trespass). 

• Backup: Set a family code word that immediately triggers your call and pickup, no questions asked. Pre-save a reliable taxi application and the numbers of two safe adults outside the family. Practical exits make brave choices significantly easier. 

Role-Play Pressure Cycles 

Practising scenarios builds confidence. Role-play three common pressure tactics: the charmer (‘Come on, you are the brave one’), the shamer (‘Do not be soft’), and the filmer (‘We already hit record’). Your child rehearses the Stop–Script–Shift routine and a clean walk-off. Debrief each round by asking: Which cue came first? Which refusal line was most effective? When should they have left earlier? 

Repair Beats Rage 

If your child falters or joins a stunt, address the safety aspect first, not with immediate scolding. Treat any injuries, delete uploads if possible, apologise where needed, and quietly review the Risk Test. Real personal growth occurs when the truth of their mistake is met with mercy and guidance at home. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a profound value on protecting life, the mind, and the safety of other people. “Entertainment” that invites harm is not a display of bravery; it is heedlessness. A believer’s true strength is demonstrated through restraint when the crowd is loud and the camera is recording. 

From the noble Quran 

The faith explicitly forbids actions that lead to self-destruction or harm. This principle is a powerful shield against reckless behaviour. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verse 29: 

‘O you who are believers, do not consume your wealth, (derived from manufacturing or trading) between yourselves, in an unjust manner, except if there was trading amongst you with mutual consent; and do not destroy yourself (through this inequitable manufacturing or trading), indeed, Allah (Almighty) is always Most Merciful with you.’ 

This ayah (verse) transforms avoidance into obedience. Stunts that endanger life or push others towards loss directly oppose God’s command for mercy. Teach your child to hear this verse as a shield: My life is an Amanah (trust); I may not risk it for applause. 

From the teachings of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 

The Prophetic guidance emphasises creating a safe environment for all members of the community. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2618a, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Remove the troublesome thing from the paths of the Muslims.’ 

If clearing a hazard from a pathway is a profound virtue, then intentionally creating one for “likes” is the opposite of Imaan (faith). Guide your child to be the friend who quietly moves danger away, suggests safer alternatives, or simply leaves—never the one who adds risk to the path for fleeting fame. 

Remind your child: every time they refuse a hazardous stunt, they honour their body, protect others, and ultimately please Allah Almighty. Fame fades, but character remains. The real “win” is coming home safe with a clean record, a clear heart, and the strength to choose wisdom over the crowd.