Conversations about Brand Bullying, and Friendships in Islamic Parenting: Protecting Our Children in the Digital Age

Protecting Our Children from Bullying, Brand Pressure, and Harmful Friendships—The Islamic Way

Assalamu Alaikum dear parents,

Let’s be real—raising kids in today’s world feels like navigating a storm. Social media, schoolyard drama, flashy trends, peer pressure—it’s a lot. And our children, so precious and full of promise, are right in the middle of it all.

As Muslim parents, we’ve been entrusted by Allah with a noble task. It’s not just about feeding and educating them. It’s about helping them walk through this world with dignity, faith, and resilience—especially when they’re faced with cruelty, comparison, and confusion.

Allah reminds us in the Quran:

“And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways.”
— Quran 29:69

So let’s strive. Together. Let’s talk honestly about the bullying our kids might face, the toxic obsession with brands, and the complex world of friendships. Let’s talk about what we, as believing parents, can do to raise hearts that are strong, confident, and anchored in Islam.

Bullying: When Words and Actions Cut Deep

We all want our children to be happy and safe. But bullying—whether it’s name-calling, exclusion, online hate, or physical harm—can shake a child to their core. It’s not “just kids being kids.” It’s serious. And its wounds often stay hidden.

Our teenagers are going through one of the most delicate stages of life. Their emotions are heightened. Their sense of self is still forming. And sadly, this is also when they’re most sensitive to how others see them.

They might act strong on the outside but feel broken on the inside.

And here’s where our faith gives us light. Islam doesn’t tolerate bullying. Not in schoolyards. Not online. Not anywhere.

“Let not a people ridicule another people—perhaps they may be better than them.”
— Quran 49:11

And the Prophet ﷺ? He told us to help both the oppressed and the oppressor—by stopping the oppression.

Let’s be parents who listen. Parents who ask, “Who do you sit with at lunch?” or “How do you feel around your classmates?” Let’s create homes where our kids can say, “I’m hurting,” without fear or shame.

Brand Bullying: When Stuff Becomes the Standard

Now let’s talk about something more subtle but deeply damaging: brand bullying.

You’ve probably seen it. A child being laughed at for wearing shoes that aren’t “cool enough.” A teen feeling ashamed because they don’t own the latest phone or designer backpack. This isn’t harmless teasing—it’s a form of bullying that targets self-worth.

And it’s everywhere. Social media floods our kids with filtered perfection. Ads scream that happiness comes in a package. And our children—still figuring out who they are—begin to believe that their value lies in what they wear, not who they are.

Imagine a young Muslim child, proud of their simple, halal lifestyle, being told they’re “less” because they’re not branded enough.

It crushes the heart.
It breeds insecurity.
It plants dangerous seeds of envy, materialism, and self-doubt.

But dear parents, this is where we stand tall.

Remind your child of the hadith:

“Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”
— Sahih Muslim

Tell them the story of Mus’ab ibn Umair (RA)—a young man once known for his wealth and fashion. He gave it all up for Islam. He died with barely enough cloth to cover his body, yet his soul soared. The Prophet ﷺ cried for him. Not because of what he wore—but because of the man he became.

Or Bilal (RA)—mocked by society, but honored by Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said he heard Bilal’s footsteps in Jannah.

These are the people we want our children to admire. Not influencers. Not celebrities. But those whose brand was Taqwa, whose status came from sincerity.

Friendships: The People Who Shape Their Souls

Let’s talk about the friends our kids keep. Because friends? They can either pull them toward Allah or push them into darkness.

A good friend brings peace. They remind your child of prayer. They defend them in public and advise them in private. But a toxic friend? They shame, manipulate, gossip, and drag your child into things they’ll regret.

And let’s be honest: when a child is desperate to belong, they’ll tolerate mistreatment just to avoid loneliness. This breaks our hearts. Because no child should feel that they have to be someone they’re not, just to be accepted.

Let’s teach them what a true friend looks like:

They’re kind even when no one’s watching.
They lift you up, not tear you down.
They make you feel safe, not anxious.
And most importantly—they share your values.

“A person is on the religion of his close friend. So be careful who you befriend.”
— Tirmidhi

The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) shared a bond of love, loyalty, and faith. When hiding in the cave, scared for their lives, their friendship was so deep that Allah Himself recorded it in the Quran (9:40). That’s the kind of companionship we want our children to build.

Also, let’s model it ourselves. Speak well about your friends. Resolve conflicts with dignity. Let your children see that friendship in Islam is not about popularity—it’s about peace and purpose.

How We Can Protect and Empower Our Kids

You don’t need to be a scholar or psychologist to raise strong Muslim children. You just need to be present, intentional, and full of love. Here are some ways to start:

1. Talk. And Keep Talking.

Ask real questions. Listen to the quiet answers. Don’t just react—reflect with them. Let them feel that your love is unconditional.

2. Root Them in Faith, Not Trends

Remind them daily: “You are a servant of Allah. That is your greatest honor.” Give them the tools to build a spiritual identity that no bully can shake.

3. Set Boundaries with Heart

You can say no with kindness. Explain your values. Let them see the wisdom in Islamic limits.

4. Help Them Find Their People

Take them to Islamic youth groups, camps, halaqas, or volunteer projects. Friendships built around the deen last a lifetime.

5. Be Media-Aware, Not Media-Blind

Know what they’re watching. Teach them to question what they see. Show them real joy isn’t filtered.

6. Build Their Spiritual Toolbox

Prayer, dhikr, Qur’an, journaling, exercise—these are ways they can process their emotions and recharge.

7. Watch for Silent Signals

If your child suddenly withdraws, changes friends, or becomes anxious, it may be more than just a “phase.” Be gentle, but pay attention.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help

Counselors, therapists, youth mentors—these are blessings, not weaknesses. Sometimes guidance comes through others.

A Heartfelt Dua for Our Children

“O Allah, Most Loving,
Protect our children from the harm of others and the harm within themselves.
Make them confident in Your love and proud of their faith.
Surround them with righteous companions.
Guard their hearts from envy, their minds from confusion, and their bodies from harm.
Make them leaders of goodness in their generation.
Ameen.”

You’re Not Alone, Dear Parent

This is not an easy job. But it’s one of the noblest.

Don’t underestimate the power of your love, your duas, your presence. Don’t let the noise of the world drown out the beautiful voice of your parenting. And don’t walk this path alone—reach out, build community, and strive with others who believe as you do.

Because Allah sees your effort. And as He promised: