Parenting Perspective 

Discuss the Role of Influencers 

Explaining when influencers do not match your family’s values involves a combination of setting boundaries, providing context, and reinforcing the importance of critical thinking. You can start by discussing the concept of influencers and their role in shaping opinions, especially on social media. You might say, ‘Influencers are people who have a large following and often try to promote products or ideas. Some of them share things that align with our values, but others may encourage things that we do not agree with.’ 

Encourage Critical Thinking 

Help your child to understand that influencers, like anyone in the public eye, are not always the best role models. Encourage them to evaluate what they see online and to question whether it aligns with the values you have taught them. For example, ‘Just because someone is popular on social media does not mean they are always promoting what is good for us. We have to think about whether their messages are really helping us to grow or if they are encouraging things that are not good for our faith or our character.’ 

Emphasise Positive Role Models 

It is important to emphasise the value of following positive role models who align with Islamic principles. You can share examples from the lives of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions, who exemplified honesty, integrity, and respect for others. ‘In Islam, we are taught to look up to people who embody good character and faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions showed us the way to live with kindness, humility, and respect for others, and that is the kind of role model we should aim to follow.’ 

Guide Them in Setting Boundaries 

Finally, you can guide your child in setting boundaries for who they follow on social media, ensuring their choices align with your family’s values. ‘If someone’s content makes you feel uncomfortable or goes against our values, it is okay to unfollow them. You have control over who influences you.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, it is important to seek guidance from positive role models and to avoid those whose values may not align with righteousness. Allah Almighty reminds us in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ahzaab (33), Verse 21: 

‘Indeed, there is for you (O mankind) in (the personality of) the Messenger of Allah (Almighty) (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), an outstanding example of incredible benevolence; it is for those people that have hope in Allah (Almighty) and the Day of Judgement, and (desire) to remember Allah (Almighty) excessively.’ 

This verse teaches us that the best role models are those who embody the teachings of Islam, role models who live with honesty, integrity, and respect for others. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also encouraged his followers to be mindful of who they look up to and follow. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

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

This Hadith underscores the importance of following role models who lead by example, especially in their personal conduct. By teaching your child to be discerning when it comes to influencers, you are helping them to stay true to the values of Islam and to avoid harmful influences.