What should I do if they mimic disrespectful jokes they heard online? 

Parenting Perspective 

With their constant exposure to online videos and memes, it is common for children to pick up jokes that, while popular online, come across as mocking or disrespectful at home. If this is left unchecked, it can normalise rudeness. Addressing this behaviour requires calm correction and clear guidance on what is and is not appropriate humour in your family. 

Correct Without Humiliating 

You can gently correct your child by saying, ‘I know that joke might seem funny online, but in our family, we do not repeat things that hurt or belittle other people.’ This approach separates the behaviour from your child’s identity, allowing you to teach the principle without shaming them. 

Teach Them to Think Before Repeating 

Encourage your child to apply a simple self-check before they repeat something they have heard. You can ask them to consider: ‘Would I say this in front of my teacher, my grandparents, or in the masjid?’ If the answer is no, then it is probably not worth sharing. This simple check helps to build their discernment and personal responsibility. 

Provide Positive Alternatives 

It is important to also introduce your child to humour that is light-hearted, clever, and respectful. You can do this by sharing family-friendly jokes or funny stories of your own. When you see them using humour that brings people together rather than putting someone down, be sure to praise their good choice. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that humour and laughter are permissible and even encouraged, but never at the expense of another person’s dignity. Words that are intended to mock or belittle are strictly forbidden, even if they are presented as a joke. 

The Prohibition of Ridicule 

The Quran makes it clear that making fun of other people, even in jest, is a forbidden act that undermines the dignity and honour that Allah has granted to all people. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 11: 

‘ Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them…’ 

The Seriousness of Harmful Jokes 

The prophetic tradition issues a severe warning to those who use falsehood or hurtful speech just to make others laugh, showing that our humour carries a heavy weight of responsibility. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2315, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Woe to the one who speaks and lies to make people laugh. Woe to him, woe to him.’ 

By addressing disrespectful jokes, you are teaching your child that Islam values humour that is rooted in kindness, not in mockery. They learn that laughter should be a means of building bonds, not of breaking respect, and that even in moments of fun, their speech is a reflection of their faith and character.