Parenting Perspective 

Children may sometimes raise a genuine concern at school, perhaps about unfair treatment, their workload, or the behaviour of a peer, only to feel that they have been brushed aside by a teacher. This experience can leave them feeling frustrated, powerless, or even reluctant to speak up again in the future. Parents can guide their child to handle such situations with dignity, patience, and persistence, without fostering a sense of disrespect for authority. 

Teach Them Calm Persistence 

You can coach your child to repeat their concern in a respectful manner, using phrases like, ‘I understand what you are saying, but this is important to me because…’ This shows a level of maturity and helps to ensure that their voice is not silenced by an initial dismissal. 

Encourage Putting Their Concerns in Writing 

If the teacher does not seem to be listening in the moment, you can suggest that your child writes their concern down in a short note or an email. Sometimes, teachers are more responsive when they can see that a child has put thoughtful effort into expressing their words, rather than just speaking with emotion in the moment. 

Involve Parents When Necessary 

If their concerns continue to be unaddressed, it is important to reassure your child that it is not an act of disobedience to seek adult support. You can then approach the school together through the appropriate channels, showing them that self-advocacy can be both respectful and structured. 

Affirm Their Right to Be Heard 

It is vital to remind them, ‘Speaking up for yourself does not mean being rude. You did the right thing by raising your concern.’ This helps to prevent them from internalising a sense of guilt or helplessness. 

By combining calm persistence with a structured approach to escalation, children can learn that fairness is something that can be pursued with both respect and resilience. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Islamic tradition teaches believers to stand up for what is right and to speak the truth with courage and wisdom, even when facing those in positions of authority. 

The Islamic Duty to Stand for Justice 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verse 135: 

‘O you who are believers, remain upright in upholding justice, bearing witness (to such actions) for the sake of Allah (Almighty); even if it goes against your own interest, or that of your parents, or your close relatives…’ 

This verse reminds us that the principles of fairness and justice must be pursued, even when the authority figure we are addressing is in a powerful position. 

The Prophetic Example of Respectful Advocacy 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4011, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best jihad is a word of truth before a tyrannical ruler.’ 

This hadith teaches us that even when we are in front of a person of authority, speaking the truth in a respectful manner is an act of great courage that is beloved by Allah Almighty. 

By framing respectful persistence as a part of upholding justice, parents can give their children both the practical skills and the spiritual confidence they need to voice their fair concerns. They learn from this that their dignity lies in balancing patience with the courage to stand up for what is right.