🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah) · #141

My teenager feels inferior after seeing other people's perfect lives on social media. How do I help?

Your child's sense of inferiority is real, and social media is in fact designed to feed it. What she sees are other people's best moments, already filtered, not their real lives. Listen to her feelings without simply telling her to be grateful, because that shuts the conversation down. Help her see the filters and unrealistic displays, and encourage her to unfollow accounts that make her feel small. Allah reminds us: “And do not covet that in which Allah has favoured some of you over others” (Surah an-Nisa' 4:32). Fill her time with real activities that build confidence, such as sport, skills or community service. If her sadness drags on and affects her sleep and appetite, see a counsellor. More in digital & family.

Sources

Surah an-Nisa' 4:32

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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