Parents have been urged to take greater responsibility for their children’s exposure to digital technology, particularly social media, to protect them from moral corruption, addiction and other dangers.
The call was made by Imam Taiye Hassan Mustapha Agaka at a public lecture organised by The Muslim Congress (TMC) in Ajase Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Speaking on ‘Raising Children in the Digital Age,’ Agaka said technology had created learning opportunities but also exposed children to harmful influences.
He cited internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo, inappropriate skits and other immoral social media content as some of the dangers confronting children.
Agaka said phones, computers, TikTok and other platforms could be used positively or negatively, depending on how children were guided.
‘Technology can be used positively or otherwise. The fact that some people are using it for evil does not mean Muslims should abandon it,’ he said.
He also raised concern over the use of artificial intelligence to produce materials capable of defaming Muslims and Islam.
He urged the government to address negative stereotyping of Muslims through digital content.
Rather than abandoning technology, Agaka urged Muslims to acquire the necessary knowledge and use it positively.
He cited Iran’s technological development as an example of the importance of mastering modern technology.
The cleric warned against social media addiction, saying it had affected the studies of many children and turned some brilliant pupils into dropouts.
He also cited reduced physical activity, cyberbullying and cult recruitment as other dangers.
He urged parents to carefully consider when to give their children phones and ensure proper supervision.
He also encouraged them to use technology to teach their children the Qur’an and Islamic values.
Agaka stressed the importance of sound aqeedah, saying children grounded in the belief that Allah is the ultimate authority would be better equipped to withstand negative influences.
He cautioned parents against allowing love for their children to make them compromise religious duties such as fasting and Salah. He also urged them to follow Islamic guidelines on the interaction between boys and girls, including separation from around age 10.
The imam advised parents to combine discipline with love, saying children should not be disowned because of their shortcomings. He urged them to correct their children while maintaining strong bonds with them.