Parenting Perspective 

Many television programmes, including dramas and cartoons, can normalise dishonesty and greed. They often feature characters who lie, cheat, or pursue wealth without experiencing any meaningful consequences for their actions. For children, who are highly receptive to the values portrayed in media, this can weaken their understanding of right and wrong. When negative behaviours are presented as entertaining or even rewarding, children may begin to accept them. 

The Erosion of Honesty and Integrity 

When dishonesty is framed as a clever way to succeed, children might start to believe that lying is an acceptable tool for achieving a goal. This erodes integrity and makes it more difficult for them to build trusting relationships at home, at school, and later in life. 

Replacing Gratitude with Greed 

Greed is frequently portrayed as ambition or a valid path to success. Children exposed to this message may begin to undervalue contentment and find themselves constantly wanting more, never satisfied with what they have. This can lead to feelings of frustration, envy, and an unhealthy sense of competition. 

Impact on Behaviour and Relationships 

Children may begin to imitate the behaviour they see on screen. 

• They might copy greedy characters by refusing to share or always demanding more. 

• They may lie about or hide their mistakes, believing that dishonesty is a tool to avoid consequences. 

• These patterns can weaken their capacity for empathy and cooperation, creating friction in family relationships. 

Countering Negative Media Messages 

Parents can actively counter these harmful messages. 

• Watch programmes with your children and open a discussion about the behaviours shown. 

• Ask reflective questions, such as, ‘What could that character have done differently to be more honest?’ 

• Reinforce positive values like honesty and generosity in daily family life, offering praise when children demonstrate them. 

This kind of active engagement helps children to distinguish between fiction and sound moral values, which strengthens their character. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam establishes honesty and generosity as foundations of faith, while warning that dishonesty and greed are destructive forces for both the individual soul and wider society. When television presents these negative traits as normal, it directly undermines the values that parents are trying to instil. 

The Foundational Value of Honesty 

The Quran links truthful speech directly to one’s consciousness of Allah, presenting it as a core component of belief. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ahzaab (33), Verse 70: 

‘O those of you, who are believers, seek piety from Allah (Almighty) and always speak with words of blatant accuracy.‘ 

This verse reminds us that speaking the truth is not merely a social courtesy but a command from Allah that is rooted in our faith. 

The Destructive Nature of Greed 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned that greed was not a minor personal flaw but a powerful force capable of corrupting entire societies. 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 483, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Beware of greed, for it destroyed those before you. It led them to shed blood and to make lawful what was unlawful.’ 

This hadith teaches that unchecked greed leads to the breakdown of moral and social order. 

Guiding Children with Faith 

By connecting discussions about television shows to Quranic verses and prophetic teachings, parents can give their children a solid framework for understanding why dishonesty and greed are never acceptable. This approach nurtures honesty, humility, and gratitude, which are values that protect a child’s character and guide them towards a life that is pleasing to Allah Almighty.