Here’s the one parenting tip that JLo, Beckham and Zuckerberg concur with

In the documentary Social Dilemma, American statistician Edward Tufte says, “There are only two industries that call their customers ‘users’—illegal drugs and software.” Hits hard, doesn’t it? And whether we like it or not, tech, especially social media is a double-edged sword. It comes with an abundance of advantages and has undeniably led to the advancement of the entire human race, but its costs are large and have had some of the most severe implications over the years including suicides, civil war and more. While social media, tech and data affects all of us, its impact on children often comes with extreme concerns including addiction, identity issues, low self-worth, detachment and a constant need for external validation. Today, we live in a world where there’s less down-time and more screen time. It’s always about ‘one more post, one more snap…’ 

Yet, these celebrities, including Angelina Jolie and JLo, have made a conscious effort to limit their children’s screen time for a happier, healthier and more holistic development of their children. Here’s your cue to be inspired by them and impose limits for your children and your own screen time. 

Melinda and Bill Gates

Founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, along with his wife Melinda, strove to create a healthy balance for their children in terms of the usage of technology. “You’re always looking at how it can be used in a great way—homework and staying in touch with friends—and also where it has gotten to excess,” he said in an interview once. The two had set a time for their children beyond which they weren’t allowed to use their phones, tablets or any other device—which helped them get enough sleep. The ‘no-phone’ rule was applicable at the dinner table, where the family had a meal together. Still, kudos to the parents, they never went as far as keeping a track of their passwords. It’s definitely a balancing act! 

Jennifer Lopez

In 2015, JLo said in an interview that her children get to use their various devices including iPads and other video games only on Sundays: “Because it’s school time. They have to be good in school and then they get a Sunday-Funday. It’s something I made up so that they could work towards it and behave.” Lopez stated that she wanted her kids to be exposed to technology and the wide world of smartphones but would make every attempt to regulate it. 

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

While neither Angelina Jolie nor Brad Pitt has a social media account (Yes, their absence is definitely felt). The two hired a cybersecurity team to monitor the internet and social media content that their children were consuming. “It’s so beyond what we understand, we wouldn’t even know what to look for,” Jolie had said in an interview. While this may be out of reach for most of us, the idea is to regulate the exposure to the kind of content available on the Internet (you never know what you may find), which you can do through various means including putting a parental lock, having access to limited apps and more. 

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan

It’s the irony of all ironies. Facebook, (now Meta) founder, Mark Zuckerberg, said in an interview once that he doesn’t like his daughters sitting in front of the screen for long periods of time, but understands and knows that some amount of screen time is healthy for them. He does, however, allow his children to keep in touch with their grandparents over Facebook’s video chat services. “I let my kids use that to communicate with my parents, so they can easily stay in touch with their grandparents and aunts who live across the country,” he had said. Well, if he can impose restrictions, there isn’t much excuse for us, is there? 

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian

The tennis champion who is married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, in fact, wanted their child “to be bored.” Ohanian, like many other techies, is determined to keep his children away from all devices. “It’s really important that she (their daughter) gets time to just be with her thoughts and be with her blocks and be with her toys…” he had said. Hear hear! 

Victoria and David Beckham 

Our forever favourite duo, have been known to maintain a strict time limit for their children’s screen usage. “I know that sounds pretty harsh, but I want my boys to be outside and playing,” the Manchester United star had said. It has been very important for the parents of four for their children to be involved in sports—“For discipline and health,” Beckham stated in an interview. We are in definite agreement with the same. 

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend 

The two very hands-on parents are not completely for the ‘no-screen time’ rule. Crowded places, airplanes and restaurants call for distractions, where the devices come in handy: “There are certain situations, like when you’re on a plane or in a restaurant, where goddammit, it’s going to help those surrounding us,” Teigen had said in an interview. Yet, when their children demand too much screen time, Teigen implements creative and innovative ways to distract them including making art projects and spending time outside.