Teens
Intrusive thoughts, guilt and inner purity
Unwanted thoughts do not by themselves determine the state of a believer's heart; what matters is the response to them. Guidance for parents and young people troubled by such thoughts after online exposure.
Resources
Verified guidance from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat
Directly sourced from Friday Sermons, Q&A sessions and official publications — no paraphrasing.
Khalifatul Masih V · Friday Sermon
Modesty is not what television and the internet now define it to be
“The latest inventions such as TV and Internet have redefined the historically established standards of modesty... The standard of modesty of an Ahmadi is not how it is shown on TV and the Internet.”
Baitul Futuh Mosque, London · 2010-01-15
Verified source
Publication: Al Fazl International, 5 February 2010
- VideoAl Islam (Official)https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/2010-01-15.html
- TextAl Islam (Official)https://www.alislam.org/book/social-media/believer-shuns-all-that-is-vain/
Khalifatul Masih V · Meeting with Virginia Khuddam members
Social media addiction named as plain 'foolishness' once you know the harm
“Social media – you know that it is harmful. We all know it causes addiction. We know it damages our family relationships, our social relationships, and even affects our work and businesses. It is causing harm, and you are aware of it. When you know all this and still continue using it in the same way, what else can it be called except foolishness? The only solution is to have firm determination that you will not fall into these harmful practices.”
USA (virtual/in-person meeting) · 2025-12-01
Verified source
Publication: Press & Media Office, December 2025
Trusted online-safety guidance
Verified advice on this topic from recognised child online-safety organisations.
Internet Matters
Keep Children Safe Online: Information, advice, support
“Working with online experts, we're here to provide parent, carers and professionals with advice and support to keep children safe online”
https://www.internetmatters.org/
NSPCC
Talking to your child about online safety
“Sometimes you might be worried about what your child's doing online or who they're speaking to, but not know how to talk to them about it. We've got advice to help.”
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/
Common Sense Media
Online Safety — Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between
“Get advice about Online Safety from Common Sense Media editors.”
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/online-safety
Step-by-step digital detox programme
Choose what you want to change, and we will build a week-by-week plan for your family, with reminders and a printable set of home rules.
Build my planExplore more topics
Suggested next reads, plus the topics parents are asking about most right now.
- Related
Screens, phones and social media
The proper use of phones and social media in the light of the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba), and how parents may set limits that children willingly accept.
- Related
Screens, mental health and depression
The effect of continuous use of social media upon the mind and heart of a child, and the measures parents may take to safeguard their well-being.
Still have questions?
Tap a question below to ask it in the guidance chat, or write your own.
- How do I start a conversation with my child about Intrusive thoughts, guilt and inner purity?→
- What are sensible, age-appropriate rules for Intrusive thoughts, guilt and inner purity in our home?→
Have a specific question?
Ask Tarbiyyat for guidance tailored to your family and this topic.
Ask a question