By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEi
In today’s digital age, children grow up in an interconnected world where information is abundant, technology is an integral part of life, and new challenges emerge in shaping their character. As parents, educators, or mentors, we bear a significant responsibility: ensuring our children are not only intellectually smart but also rooted in religious values, pious in behavior, and wise in navigating the dynamics of the times.
Technology indeed offers golden opportunities for learning and development, but it also poses risks that can destabilize children’s morals, habits, and focus if not properly managed. In this context, strong religious education, resilient character development, and love-based parenting strategies serve as the primary foundation in shaping future generations.
The question then arises: How can we nurture children who excel in both worlds—temporal and eternal? How do we guide them to remain close to Allah SWT, achieve academic success, and use technology for good?
Through a holistic and narrative approach, we will explore concrete steps to educate children to be intelligent, pious, and wise in the digital age. Let us build a generation that brings pride not only to their families but also to the community, nation, and faith.
The Digital Era: Opportunities and Challenges
The digital era presents numerous opportunities and challenges for young generations. In a situation where technology dominates daily life, the roles of parents, educators, and society become crucial in ensuring children grow into individuals who are intellectually capable and pious in morals and worship. Shaping such children requires a holistic strategy, including religious education, character formation, and wise use of technology.
- Strong Faith as the Foundation
Faith is the fundamental pillar that must be instilled from an early age. Religious education is not limited to memorizing prayers or reciting the Qur’an but also involves applying Islamic values in daily life. Parents should serve as the primary role models in this regard. Children who see their parents devout in worship, honest, and patient are more likely to emulate these behaviors.
Religious routines such as praying in congregation, reading the Qur’an together, or discussing the exemplary stories of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can effectively instill Islamic values. Children need to understand that religion is not just an obligation but also a life guide that brings happiness in this world and the hereafter.
- Strong Character Education
In addition to faith, children need to be equipped with a resilient character. This includes discipline, responsibility, empathy, and independence. For instance, teach children simple responsibilities like tidying up their toys or fostering empathy by encouraging them to help those in need.
In the digital age, character also involves the ability to control emotions and maintain ethics in communication. Children need to be taught to use polite language both in real life and on social media.
- Wise Use of Technology
Technology is a double-edged sword. When used wisely, it can be an excellent tool for education and self-development. However, without proper supervision, it can become a source of distraction or even harm children’s morals.
Parents should set clear rules regarding screen time and the types of content children can access. Offer alternative educational content such as learning apps, Islamic videos, or logic-based games. Active supervision is essential, especially for younger children, to prevent exposure to inappropriate content.
Additionally, teach children about digital ethics, including how to behave politely on social media, avoid cyberbullying, and protect their privacy online.
- Holistic Education
An intelligent child is not only skilled in academic subjects but also well-versed in religious knowledge. Choose formal education that supports this balance. Many schools or madrasas offer integrated curricula combining general and religious sciences.
Encourage children to develop 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. These skills will help them navigate the ever-changing world.
- Effective Communication
Communication is key to building a close relationship with children. In an era where technology often hinders direct communication, parents must dedicate quality time to their children. Listen to what they feel, think, and aspire to achieve.
Discuss the challenges they face in the digital era, such as gadget addiction, the negative effects of social media, and the importance of maintaining a balance between digital life and reality.
- Creating a Supportive Environment
Children are heavily influenced by their surroundings. Ensure they are part of a community that fosters positive character development, whether at home, school, or in society. Encourage them to associate with friends who uphold good values and involve them in religious activities like study groups, mosque events, or social communities.
- Prayer and Motivation
Never underestimate the power of prayer. Pray for your children to become intelligent, pious, and beneficial individuals for others. Also, motivate them to keep learning, growing, and doing good. Show appreciation for their efforts and achievements, no matter how small.
Conclusion
Shaping intelligent and pious children in the digital era requires consistent and focused effort. A combination of religious education, character formation, supervision of technology use, and effective communication will help children grow into individuals who are not only intellectually outstanding but also morally upright. With continuous prayer and guidance, insha’Allah, they will be able to face the challenges of the digital age while holding firmly to Islamic values.
Raising intelligent and pious children in the digital era is not an easy task, but with sincere efforts, heartfelt prayers, and the right strategies, it is achievable. Together, let us guide the next generation to grow into exemplary individuals who face the challenges of the times with intelligence and noble character. By using religious values as a foundation and technology as a tool, we can create a brilliant generation that benefits not only themselves but also the community, nation, and world.
References
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- Chapman, G., & Campbell, R. (2021). The 5 Love Languages of Children: Building Children’s Emotional Intelligence. Bandung: Kaifa.
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. New York: Bantam Books.
- Wahid, A. (2020). Technology and Islamic Education: Strategies for Learning in the Digital Era. Yogyakarta: UII Press.
- Fitriani, S. (2021). Character Education in the Digital Era: Challenges and Opportunities. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 9(2), 121-135.
- Hidayat, A. (2020). Utilizing Technology to Improve the Quality of Islamic Education. Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan Islam, 6(1), 45-59.