Parenting Perspective 

The world of social media often sends a powerful message to children: that their worth is tied to the number of likes, views, and comments they receive. When popular trends revolve around posting selfies or performing dance challenges, this pressure can feel overwhelming. Your role as a parent is not simply to forbid their participation, but to guide your child towards an understanding of their self-worth that exists far beyond the screen. 

Listen Before You Caution 

Begin by asking what they genuinely enjoy about these trends. Is it the creativity, the fun with friends, or the feeling of being noticed? Listening first shows respect for their feelings and helps you to frame your guidance in a way that speaks to their real motivations. If they feel understood, they will be far more willing to listen when you share your concerns. This is about connecting with their world. 

Name the Hidden Pressure 

Children often confuse having fun with feeling pressured. You can gently help them to see the difference by reflecting, ‘It does sound fun, but is there also a feeling that you must join in just to fit in?’ Helping them to distinguish between what they freely choose and what they feel forced to do is the first step in building a shield against peer-driven behaviour. 

Offer Healthier Outlets for Expression 

Rather than focusing only on what they should not do, suggest positive alternatives that still satisfy their desire for creativity and belonging. Encourage group activities offline, like sports or art projects, where their confidence can grow without the need to perform for strangers. You could also explore creative online skills together, such as photography or digital design, which can nurture talent without compromising modesty. 

Teach Them Their Value Lies Beyond the Lens 

Constantly remind your child that their true beauty and worth are not measured in camera angles, filters, or passing trends. You can say, ‘Online likes disappear in a day, but the kind of person you are leaves a lasting mark on people’s hearts.’ To reinforce this, you can create a family ritual where everyone shares one quality they admire in each other, grounding their identity in character, not validation. 

Spiritual Insight 

The desire to be seen and admired is a natural part of being human, but Islam calls us to direct this desire towards seeking the pleasure of Allah, rather than the fleeting attention of a crowd. Framing this conversation spiritually helps children to see concepts like modesty not as restrictions, but as shields of profound dignity. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 13: 

‘…Indeed, the best of you in the judgement of Allah (Almighty) is the one who is most virtuous; indeed, Allah (Almighty) is the Omniscient, the all Cognisant.’ 

This verse completely reframes the meaning of value. True nobility is not found in one’s appearance or online performance, but in one’s righteousness (taqwa). You can connect this to their world by asking, ‘Would you rather be popular for a moment online, or be noble forever in the sight of Allah?’ Such questions invite them to see beyond the temporary applause of the digital crowd. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4184, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Modesty is part of faith.’ 

Bringing this simple yet profound hadith into the discussion helps to show that protecting one’s dignity is not about being left out, but about being elevated in faith. You can reassure your child that choosing modesty in a world that demands constant exposure is a true act of courage and strength. 

When parents blend empathy with spiritual clarity, children begin to understand that the pressures of online trends are not burdens they must carry alone. They can find deep confidence in knowing that their true worth is already secured with Allah, allowing them to step back from the noise of likes and comments with both inner peace and outer strength.