I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous children and families, and I’m disheartened to see the impact of money-minded vlogs and shorts on their young minds. In my previous blog, I highlighted the cons of watching vlogs and shorts, and today, I want to delve deeper into the alarming trend of materialism and greed that these platforms perpetuate.
During my counselling sessions, I often ask children what they want to be when they grow up. The response I frequently receive is, “I want to be rich.” When I probe further, asking if they want to make a positive impact on the world, the silence is deafening. It’s as if the pursuit of wealth and material possessions has become the ultimate goal, supplanting the desire to make a meaningful difference.
This is precisely the kind of content that vlogs and shorts promote: a culture of greed, selfishness, and narcissism. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned us, “Two things in my Ummah will be destroyed: greed and pride.” (Tirmidhi) Yet, these vlogs and shorts celebrate the very opposite, encouraging children to focus on amassing wealth and material possessions.
The Quran reminds us, “And indeed, We will not be punished for the wealth we have earned.” (91:8) But what kind of wealth are we accumulating? Is it the wealth of knowledge, compassion, and kindness, or is it the wealth of material possessions and fame? The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his simplicity and generosity, giving away his wealth to those in need. He never stored wealth for himself, and instead, used it to benefit others. Where are these values now?
The Quran cautions us, “O you who have believed, fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every soul look to what it has sent forth for the morrow.” (59:18) But vlogs and shorts are teaching our children to focus on the here and now, to prioritize short-term gains over long-term benefits, and to crave material possessions over spiritual growth.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The eyes are the gateway to the heart.” (Bukhari) Each video our children watch shapes their worldview, influencing their values, and moulding their characters. Are we allowing them to be shaped by the values of greed, selfishness, and materialism, or are we guiding them towards the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity?
I remember a particular counselling session with a young boy who was obsessed with a popular YouTube channel that showcased extravagant lifestyles and expensive toys. He would often tell me that he wanted to be just like the YouTuber when he grew up. I asked him why, and he said it was because the YouTuber was rich and had lots of cool things. I took the opportunity to explain to him that true happiness doesn’t come from material possessions, but from the relationships we build, the kindness we show, and the good deeds we do. I encouraged him to focus on developing his character and skills, rather than chasing after wealth and fame. With time and guidance, he began to shift his focus towards more meaningful pursuits.
Coping Strategies for Parents:
- Monitor and limit screen time: Set boundaries on the amount of time your child spends watching vlogs and shorts. Use parental control apps or software to track and limit their screen time.
- Encourage alternative content: Expose your child to educational, Islamic, and meaningful content that promotes positive values. You can find plenty of excellent resources on YouTube, podcasts, and online platforms.
- Have open conversations: Talk to your child about the dangers of materialism and the importance of kindness, compassion, and generosity. Use real-life examples to illustrate the consequences of greed and the benefits of charitable giving.
- Model good behaviour: Demonstrate the values you want your child to adopt. Engage in charitable activities together as a family, and show your child the joy of giving and helping others.
- Teach gratitude and contentment: Encourage your child to appreciate what they have and to be content with what Allah has provided. Practice gratitude exercises, such as writing down things they’re thankful for each day or sharing gratitude at dinner time.
- Create a giving routine: Establish a regular giving routine, such as setting aside a portion of their allowance for charity or participating in community service projects.
- Foster a sense of empathy: Encourage your child to put themselves in others’ shoes and understand their struggles and challenges. This can help them develop a sense of compassion and kindness towards others.
Reflection Question for Parents:
What values do I want my child to adopt, and am I modelling those values in my behaviour? Take a moment to reflect on your priorities and actions, and ask yourself if you’re guiding your child towards a life of goodness and kindness.
Dua (Supplication)
اﻟﻠﱠﮭُ ﱠم إِ ﱢﻧﻲ أَﻋُوذُ ﺑِكَ ﻣِنْ أَنْ أُﺷْرِكَ ﺑِكَ ﺷَﯾْﺋًﺎ وَأَﻧَﺎ أَﻋْﻠَمُ ﺑِﮫِ، وَأَﺳْﺗَﻐْﻔِرُكَ ﻟِﻣَﺎ ﻻَ أَﻋْﻠَمُ ﺑِﮫِ
Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min an ushrika bika shay’an wa ana a’lamu bihi, wa astaghfiruka lima la a’lamu bihi
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating partners with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do not know.
May Allah guide us and our families towards the straight path, and may we be protected from the dangers of money-minded online content. Ameen
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