What should I say when my child feels angry when screen time ends? 

Parenting Perspective 

Acknowledge Their Feelings 

It is normal for children to feel angry or grumpy when it is time to switch off their screens. For them, a game or video is exciting, and stopping can feel like a sudden loss. If their anger is not handled gently, it can turn into tantrums, shouting, or even sneaky behaviour to get more time later. You can start by letting your child know that it is okay to feel disappointed when something fun stops. Use calm words: ‘I know it feels hard to stop. It is okay to feel cross, but it is not okay to shout or hurt others.’ 

Set Clear Limits and Practice Calm Responses 

Set clear limits ahead of time so the end of screen time does not come as a shock. Use gentle countdowns: ‘Five more minutes, then it is time to turn it off.’ Praise your child when they switch off calmly, even if they still feel frustrated inside. Help them to notice what their anger feels like in their body—a hot face, clenched fists—so they can learn to pause. Talk about what they can do instead of exploding, such as taking deep breaths, hugging a pillow, or choosing a new activity straight away. Over time, these small steps help your child to feel that you understand their feelings, and that they can handle their anger without it taking over. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that managing anger is a sign of true strength. Allah Almighty praises those who learn to hold back when they feel big emotions rising. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 134: 

‘Those (the believers are the ones) that spend (in the way of Allah Almighty) in times of abundance and hardship; they suppress their anger; and are forgiving to people; and Allah (Almighty) loves those who are benevolent. ‘

Share this with your child so they see that calming down after feeling angry is a sign of goodness and courage. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2609a, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong man is not the one who can overpower others; the strong man is the one who controls himself when he is angry.‘

Teach your child to make a simple Dua when they feel cross after screen time ends: ‘Ya Allah, help me calm my heart.’ This gentle prayer reminds them that their feelings do not have to control them; they can learn to hold their heart steady and trust that Allah Almighty sees their effort. With your patient support, your child will learn that turning off screens does not have to bring outbursts; it can become a moment to practise Sabr and grow their inner strength.