In today’s world, we see that screens are everywhere. Whether they are in the hands of adults,
the elderly, the youth, and even the children. From smartphones and tablets to gaming devices and computer screens, children are growing up in a digital environment that most of us have never experienced before whilst growing up, and understandably, we are worried as parents, on how to give our children the best and proper Islamic guidance in the digital era. While the digital world does have its benefits such as offering unique learning programs, creative activities, and connecting students together to easily work on projects and assignments, we must still carefully navigate the media our children are consuming, how long they are consuming it for, and what impact it is having on their day-to-day life. As Muslim parents, we always want to help our children use technology wisely and stay grounded in their Islamic values.
At Furqaan Academy, we firmly believe that with the right balance, patience, and Islamic guidance, you can help your children thrive in the digital world while protecting them from its harms. Let’s explore practical, faith-based ways to achieve this with key advice from our school’s principal, Ms. Nazia Jalali.
- Define clear rules and boundaries: As Muslims, balance, mizan, is essential in every part of our lives. Allah (SWT) teaches us in the Quran: “Surely the wasteful are brothers of like brothers to the devils. And the Devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord (The Clear Quran®, 17:27).” The best way to set these clear rules and boundaries with your children is to engage them in a healthy discussion about these rules so they understand why this is important from an Islamic perspective. Two practical tips you can use to implement this are setting a screen time limit, and being transparent with your child on what content is/is not appropriate to consume.
- Teach digital morality and akhlaaq: Good manners are not confined to just the physical world. Children must be extra vigilant on the behavior they display in the digital world also. Our faith has taught us the greatest lessons on integrity, respect, kindness and compassion. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) says in Sahih Bukhari, “The best among you are those who have the best manners and characters.” We must teach our children to avoid gossipping, spreading rumors, and cyberbullying. All three behaviors can have severe consequences on the overall mental health and wellbeing of a child. The best practical tip for this is to continuously remind your children that Allah (SWT) is always watching over them, and is aware of every action they do even if it is behind a screen.
- Foster analytical and critical thinking: In a world filled with information, not everything online is true or a reliable source. Encourage your children to think critically and always verify the information that they consume. Always teach your children to ask themselves questions like, “Who wrote this?”, “Is this a trustworthy source?” Further, show them how to conduct proper cross-checking, and use Islamic resources for guidance.
- Balance digital and real-life activities: Screens can definitely be engaging, and we see this when parents often give a restless child a phone or an iPad, and the child’s focus is immediately transfixed on the media in front of them. However, this inevitably takes away from the child’s real-world experiences. Once again, balance is critical, and children need time away from the screens to grow spiritually, Islamically, and socially. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) says in Sahih Muslim, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.” A practical solution for this is to encourage your children to join physical activities, attend family gatherings, and participate in community service. Be sure to also make time for Salaah, recitation of the Quran, and other religious obligations so children do not lose the balance between the deen and the dunya.
- Supervise while respecting privacy: While children may need their privacy, it is still important for parents to remain vigilant on the content their children are consuming. As a parent, you can keep an open space for communication where you can ask what they’re doing online, and show interest in their activities. Further, you can also utilize parental controls to block certain platforms which contain inappropriate content.
- Always lead by example: Children learn from what they see and from what they are taught. If we want them to use technology responsibly, then we must also be using good digital behavior ourselves. If you want them to decrease their screen time, then we must also decrease our screen time. The best solution for this is to show your children how you balance online and offline life. Engage in productive and responsible online behavior, so they will follow your example.
- Discuss the consequences of online actions: The digital world is permanent. What your child shares online could potentially affect their future. Teach them about digital footprints and the lasting nature of their online actions. Emphasize the concept of accountability, hisab, in Islam. To do this, talk to your children about how their online behavior can impact their reputation and relationships. Encourage them to think before they post and to make choices that align with their faith.
- Introduce Islamic digital resources: When your child uses digital media, there are many beneficial Islamic resources they can turn to help them grow in their faith and knowledge. Use these to increase their understanding of Islam and promote positive content. To ensure this, introduce your child to Islamic apps, online courses, lectures, and stories. This will ensure that their time using digital media is done in a productive way.
- Create an open dialogue: As parents, our children should feel comfortable and safe with us that they can confide in their parents about any online experiences they’ve had. Create a supportive atmosphere where they always know you are there to guide them and help them. To implement this, ask open-ended questions such as, “What did you learn today?”, “Did anything online make you feel uncomfortable?” This allows them to open up and to reach out to you for help if they are ever in need.
- Teach accountability and responsibility: While the digital world may be efficient in many ways and provide many opportunities to learn, it comes with a great deal of responsibilities. Every action has its consequences, both in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah (SWT) says, “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it. And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it (The Clear Quran®, 99:7-8).”
Raising children in the digital world can be challenging, but with clear rules, a focus on Islamic values, and a balanced approach, we can guide them successfully. At Furqaan Academy, we are committed to partnering with parents in raising a generation that not only excels in the digital world but also remains firmly rooted in Islamic principles. Together, let’s raise a generation of leaders that uses technology wisely, practices good manners, and stays grounded in Islam. May Allah (SWT) guide our children and protect them. Ameen.