My daughter is a 14 years old. She wants to have a YouTube channel as she feels bored in the Covid-19 restrictions.
I’m worried that this channel might have a negative influence on her.
Please advise me.
Answer
In this counseling answer:
•You could begin by supporting her in achieving something similar.
•You should also check if what she wants her channel to be about is something that is compatible with Islam.
•Encourage her gently into other activities without making her feel bad about herself.
•Do something new together as a family.
•Learn something new via YouTube, or start a course together and study as a team.
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuh,
This is something that is very common in this day and age and is perhaps even more so appealing now with the current situation. As for you as a parent, this raises obvious concerns.
Be a Youtuber!
I’d first advise on getting scholarly advice on this matter. Since it would involve exposing herself publicly and potentially being viewed by men.
However, it may be that this depends on what she wants to make videos about. Also her target audience and if dressed appropriately this may be deemed acceptable amongst the scholars.
Whilst you await clarification on whether this is OK, you could begin by supporting her in achieving something similar.
If it is that there is a certain topic that she wishes to focus her YouTube channel on, then maybe she could begin by doing less overt activities geared towards the same goal.
For example, she could reach out and write articles for magazines, or even start her own blog.
This will also help her to get a feel of its really what she wants to do. This will allow her to keep on in a field that she has a clear passion for but in a way that is more clearly acceptable for now.
Keep an eye
She may also go on to develop alike and passion for this alternative in the meantime and forget about the thought of having a YouTube channel in favour of this.
You should also check if what she wants her channel to be about is something that is compatible with Islam.
If its not, you might encourage her gently into a field that is without making her feel bad about herself.
If it is that there is something very beneficial that she wants to do then there can be much good and reward that comes with it if done in the correct way.
That said, even if an acceptable topic is covered it is easy to change when faced with the fame that could potentially come from being a YouTuber.
This is where it is important as her parent to keep an eye on this to nip it in the bud should this happen.
Likewise, if she doesn’t generate the following that she hopes for, this could also have devastating effects too. Having a sting focus on the Deen in the home can help in either case.
Check out this counseling video
Engage her in other activities
In addition, given that her motivation stems from her boredom try to engage her in other activities to keep her busy that she may forget about this desire she has. Do something new together as a family.
Perhaps learn something new via YouTube, or start a course together and study as a team.
Do something novel, but fun, that you can work on together, strengthen your relationships and keep her as well as yourself busy in meaningful activities whilst in lockdown until its possible to get out again.
May Allah reward your concern for your daughter and guide you both to what is beta in the eyes of Allah.
Salam,
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