Parenting Perspective 

Teach Critical Thinking About Media 

Helping your child to respect women despite what they see on social media involves teaching them to critically assess the content they consume while reinforcing the importance of respect and dignity for all people. You can start by explaining that social media often portrays a very narrow view of women, which may not reflect reality or the respect they deserve. You could say, ‘On social media, you might see people showing women in ways that are not respectful or fair. But we know that every woman deserves respect, no matter what she looks like or how she is portrayed online.’ 

Encourage your child to question the portrayal of women they see online. For example, you might ask, ‘How do you think this image makes women feel? Do you think this is a respectful way to show a person?’ This encourages your child to think critically about the messages they encounter and helps them to recognise when women are being objectified or disrespected. 

Value Inner Qualities Over External Appearances 

Teach your child the value of inner qualities over external appearances. ‘A woman’s worth is not based on how she looks, but on her character, her kindness, and her abilities. Islam teaches us that true beauty comes from within.’ You should reinforce the idea that women, just like men, deserve respect for who they are as individuals, and not just for how they appear. 

Finally, you can model respect for women in your own behaviour. Treat women with kindness and respect, both in your home and in public, showing your child how to interact with women in a way that aligns with the Islamic values of dignity and equality. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, women are highly respected and honoured, and their worth is not defined by their appearance but by their character and their actions. Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tawbah (9), Verse 71: 

‘And the believing men and the believing women, some of them are role models for each other; where they encourage (the doing of) positive (moral actions), and forbid (the doing of) negative (immoral actions)…’ 

This verse teaches that men and women are equal partners in upholding justice and righteousness, and that both deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also exemplified respect for women, encouraging his followers to treat them with kindness and fairness. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

This Hadith reinforces the importance of treating women with respect and honour, both within the family and in society. By helping your child to respect women despite what they see on social media, you are teaching them to align with these Islamic values of respect, dignity, and equality.