Parenting Perspective 

Peer teasing concerning appearance or belongings can wound deeply because it challenges a child’s identity and self-worth. Children often feel trapped between the urge to defend themselves and the desire to simply fit in. Your primary goal is to help them respond with composure, avoiding the exchange of one insult for another. Teach them that dignity is strength, not just silence. The aim is not to “win” the argument, but to display an unshaken confidence that clearly signals: ‘You do not have the power to define me.’ 

See the Insult for What It Is 

Explain to your child that people often resort to teasing to draw power or attention, not because their words hold any truth about the item being mocked. Say, ‘When someone mocks your things, it says more about their manners than it does about your actual worth.’ Naming the motive helps to separate your child’s intrinsic value from the external noise. 

Scripts That Hold Dignity 

Practise short, steady lines that they can deliver once, then use as a cue to move away: 

• ‘I like it. You do not have to.’ 

• ‘Everyone has different tastes.’ 

• ‘Glad it made you laugh. I am keeping mine.’ 

• ‘You worry about yours; mine is sorted.’ 

Coach the tone: it must be calm, low, and brief. The intention is to sound genuinely unshaken, not sarcastic or defensive. After delivering the single reply, your child should turn away, change the topic, or join another group immediately. 

Teach Humour with Limits 

Humour can effectively soften tension if it is used gently and wisely: 

• ‘Yeah, my lunchbox is vintage—like me!’ 

• ‘Wait until you see tomorrow’s colour combo.’ 

If the group laughs lightly and moves on, the moment ends without damage. However, if the teasing persists, the use of humour must stop, and the boundary-setting must begin. 

The Look–Pause–Leave Strategy 

When mocking words are stinging, silence can often speak volumes. Teach this physical sequence: 

• Look Once: Brief eye contact shows courage and acknowledgement. 

• Pause: A few seconds of stillness can unsettle the mocker. 

• Leave: Quietly return to an activity, a friend, or a nearby teacher. 

This sequence preserves the child’s control while completely avoiding escalation. 

Build Resilience Beyond Appearance 

Remind your child that character outlasts trends. Help them establish a deep sense of pride in qualities like responsibility, kindness, or skill—these are traits that mockery cannot possibly touch. Encourage them to participate in activities that foster competence: sports, Qur’an study, art, or volunteering. Self-worth built on deeds is immune to critique of clothes or brands. 

When Teasing Turns Cruel 

If mockery becomes routine, persistent, or spreads into the online sphere, it must be called what it is: bullying. Support your child in calmly and factually reporting the incidents to school staff. Teach them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The goal is not revenge, but the restoration of respect. 

Debrief with Warmth 

After an incident, ask open-ended questions like, ‘What helped you stay calm?’ or ‘Which line worked best for you?’ Praise the display of control, not the cleverness of the reply: ‘You kept your dignity. That is real confidence.’ Consistent affirmation at home is essential to soften any emotional bruises left by peers. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam champions simplicity and strictly forbids any form of mockery that is rooted in pride or envy. When a child learns to view teasing through the lens of faith, their self-worth naturally shifts from the focus on possessions to the pursuit of piety. True respect comes from Allah Almighty, not the fleeting approval of classmates. 

From the Noble Quran 

The Quran calls all believers to a state of profound humility and reminds them of the dangers of looking down upon others. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 11: 

‘Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them…’ 

This ayah calls all believers to humility. Teach your child that mockery is a sin, not merely a harmless joke, and that Allah Almighty may hold the person being mocked in far higher esteem. When they internalise this truth, any feelings of shame dissolve into serenity. They can respond with quiet grace, knowing that their true worth is secure with their Creator, not dependent on the acceptance of a crowd. 

From the Teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 

The guidance of the Prophet ﷺ decisively shifts the measure of honour from external appearance to internal character. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.’ 

This Hadith Shareef instantly restores perspective. A backpack or an outfit does not define honour—sincerity and strong character do. Remind your child that every time they meet mockery with patience and composure, they are mirroring the Prophet’s ﷺ strength. They can whisper in their heart, “Allah sees my heart, not my lunchbox.” 

Encourage your child to hold their head high, smile gently, and walk away, secure in the knowledge that the One who matters most is already pleased. Each calm refusal to react lifts them above the noise, transforming hurt into grace and peer pressure into an opportunity for demonstrating inner strength and faith.