What role can tech literacy play in helping children distinguish between halal and haram online content? 

Parenting Perspective 

Tech literacy is more than just knowing how to use a device; it is about understanding the digital world well enough to make informed, ethical choices that align with one’s faith. 

Moving from Technical Skill to Ethical Judgment 

When children can identify reliable sources, recognise manipulative advertising, and understand how algorithms push certain content, they are better equipped to navigate the online world. This knowledge allows them to apply the same halal-haram framework they use in real life to their digital consumption. For example, they learn to question the source of a video or consider whether a game’s themes promote behaviours that are displeasing to Allah. 

Building a Moral Filtering System 

Parents can empower children by guiding them to ask key questions before they watch, play, or share something online. These questions become their internal filter: 

• Does this bring me closer to Allah, or does it encourage disobedience? 

• Does it promote virtues like modesty and respect, or their opposites? 

• Is the source trustworthy and beneficial? 

Combining technical awareness with this moral reasoning gives children the confidence to make sound decisions for themselves. When tech literacy is framed this way, it becomes a powerful tool for protecting one’s heart, mind, and faith in the online world. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam provides a clear path for believers to follow and encourages them to avoid ambiguity and harmful distractions, a principle that is vital for navigating the internet. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al An’aam (6), Verse 153: 

‘And indeed, this pathway towards Me (Allah Almighty) is of absolute (intellectual) steadfastness; then follow it, and do not submit to the other pathways (that cause) you to weaken (rationally) from His Pathways…’ 

This verse reminds children that while the online world presents countless different “ways” and paths to follow, their goal is to stay on the single straight path that pleases Allah. Tech literacy, guided by faith, helps them recognise and avoid the distracting or harmful paths that lead them astray. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave us a clear principle for dealing with uncertainty. 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, 5398, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘That which is lawful is clear, and that which is unlawful is clear, and between them are matters that are doubtful which many people do not know. So whoever avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honour.‘ 

This is the ultimate guideline for digital consumption. It teaches children that when they encounter content that feels questionable or falls into a grey area, the safest and most pious choice is to simply avoid it. This protects both their faith and their dignity.