In a recent interview, actress Penélope Cruz expressed her concerns about the effects of social media on young minds, revealing that she and her husband, Javier Bardem, have chosen to keep their children, 10-year-old Leo and 8-year-old Lena, away from smartphones and social media until they turn 16. As many parents face the challenges posed by social media’s impact on children’s mental health, Cruz’s viewpoint resonates strongly with those who prefer to limit their kids’ exposure to these platforms.
During an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, Cruz shared her personal approach to social media, admitting she uses it very sparingly. “I have a strange relationship with social media where I use very little of it in a very careful way,” she noted, highlighting the troubling effects she sees on today’s youth. “It feels like the world is conducting an experiment on them, exposing young children to an overwhelming amount of technology without any protection,” she explained, emphasizing her worries about how social media can influence self-image and contribute to bullying—issues that differ vastly from the childhood experiences she had.
Cruz maintains strict guidelines regarding her children’s media consumption. While she allows them to watch movies and cartoons, she firmly believes in delaying smartphone usage and social media engagement until they are older. “I see that as a way to protect their mental health, but I seem to be part of a minority,” she admitted. Many parents can relate to her stance, especially given the ongoing challenges and lack of positive changes in social media policies.
Additionally, Cruz is adamant about safeguarding her children’s privacy online. In a previous interview, she stated, “You will never see a picture of my kids on social media. I feel responsible for protecting that privacy.”
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