Raising hearts with boundaries means guiding our children with love and discipline shaping their character not by giving them everything they want, but by teaching them what Allah wants from them.
In today’s digital age, parenting is no longer just about school and bedtime routines. It’s about managing screens, swiping away tantrums, and sometimes, using cartoons like Cocomelon to catch our breath. While we may find relief in technology, it’s important to ask ourselves:
Are these screens helping raise righteous hearts, or just keeping kids busy?
As Muslim parents, our mission isn’t just to raise well-behaved children, it’s to raise believing children. Kids who know their Rabb (Lord), love their Prophet ﷺ, and recognize what pleases or displeases Allah. That takes intention, boundaries, and yes sacrifices.
Why Screen Time Should Be Limited: The Spiritual and Psychological Impact
1. It Affects Their Akhlaaq and Adab
Children mimic what they see. From tone of voice to attitudes, everything seeps in quietly. If their daily input lacks Islamic manners or values, we shouldn’t be surprised if the output lacks them too.
2. It Weakens Their Fitrah
Children are born with fitrah: a natural inclination toward good. But screens often overload them with noise, colors, and disconnection. This overstimulation numbs the senses that Islam asks us to refine: reflection, presence, calmness.
3. Normalizing What Islam Dislikes: The Pig Problem
Cocomelon features pigs as sweet, huggable characters.
A pig is part of the logo itself. Their merchandise and books further reinforce this visual.
In Islam, pigs are not only haram to eat, they’re considered ritually impure. Beautifying them for toddlers—who are still forming emotional attachments—can blur these spiritual lines.
If we don’t lovingly draw the lines of halal and haram now, society will erase them later.
4. Overstimulation: The Hidden Harm
Cocomelon is designed to keep children watching—bright lights, fast transitions, loud sounds. It activates the brain’s reward center quickly, which:
- Decreases attention span
- Reduces creativity
- Leads to irritability when not entertained
It’s not neutral—it’s addictive.
5. No Reference to Allah, Morals Without Meaning
While the show teaches kindness or brushing teeth, it doesn’t teach why. In Islam, everything we do—eating, cleaning, even smiling—is linked to our faith. When those connections are missing, children begin to see Islam as separate from life.
6. Replacing Islamic Culture with Western Norms
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” — Abu Dawood
From singing styles to clothing and family dynamics, these shows shape a child’s view of “normal.” Without balance, Islamic identity begins to feel foreign.
Practical Tips: Reducing Screen Time the Prophetic Way
1. Replace, Don’t Just Remove
Children need alternatives, not abrupt bans. Try
- Islamic shows like Omar & Hana, Ilyas & Duck
- Storytime with Qur’an themes
- Building, art, pretend-play with Islamic reminders
2. Designate No-Screen Zones
- No screens during meals: encourage family talk or story time.
- No screens before bed: swap with dua, Qur’an, or bedtime reflections
3. Be With Them, Don’t Outsource Parenting to Screens
If they do watch, sit with them. Pause and ask:
- “Is that how Muslims speak?”
- “What would the Prophet ﷺ do here?”
4. Set Consistent Rules
- Daily time limits (20–30 min max for toddlers)
- Remove auto play.
- Replace tantrums with comfort—not compromise
5. Model It Yourself
Your child sees how you use your phone. Read the Qur’an aloud. Talk to them instead of scrolling. Let them hear your reminders of Allah.
6. Teach Them the Qur’an Even If It Takes Effort
Yes, screen time is easier. The Qur’an takes patience, repetition, and energy.
But here’s the truth: We will be questioned by Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “You are all shepherds, and each of you is responsible for your flock.” — Bukhari
Be firm, even if they resist. Be loving, but consistent. Make Qur’an recitation part of their daily life even if it’s just one ayah a day. These early efforts stay etched in their soul far longer than a cartoon ever will.