Parenting Perspective 

Understand the Reasons for Lying 

If your child lies about what they watch or play, it is important to address the behaviour with understanding, patience, and guidance. You can start by calmly discussing the situation with your child. Ask them why they felt the need to lie and listen to their reasons. Children may lie about their online activities because they fear punishment or feel ashamed of their choices. By asking open-ended questions like, ‘Can you tell me why you did not want to tell me about the game you played?’ you give your child the opportunity to explain themselves and to express any concerns they may have. 

Explain the Importance of Honesty 

Explain to your child that honesty is always the best policy and that lying about what they do online can lead to bigger problems. You can say, ‘It is okay to make mistakes, but it is important to be honest about what you do. When we lie, it makes it more difficult to trust each other.’ Help them to understand that trust is the foundation of your relationship, and that being open and truthful about their activities builds that trust and keeps them safe. 

Set Clear Expectations and Praise Honesty 

Set clear expectations about screen time and the types of content that are acceptable. Reinforce that they should come to you if they encounter anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable or if they are unsure whether something is appropriate. It is important to praise your child when they are honest about their online behaviour, as this reinforces the idea that openness and honesty lead to a stronger, more trusting relationship. If lying about online activities becomes a consistent issue, you should implement appropriate consequences, such as limited screen time or restricted access to certain sites. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, honesty is a core value, and Allah Almighty encourages us to always tell the truth. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 42: 

‘And do not mix the truth with falsehood, and do not conceal the truth, and you are fully aware (of what you are doing).’ 

This verse teaches the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness, even when it may be difficult. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasised the importance of honesty. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6594, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.’ 

This Hadith reminds us that truthfulness is essential in all circumstances, including when it comes to our actions online. By teaching your child to be honest about their online activities, you are guiding them to align their actions with the moral teachings of Islam, promoting trust, integrity, and responsibility in their behaviour.