Julia Roberts has expressed her concerns regarding the excessive use of mobile phones among young people. The acclaimed actress, aged 57, is a mother to 20-year-old twins, Hazel and Phinnaeus, and 18-year-old Henry, with her husband, Daniel Moder. In an interview with Sunday Times Culture magazine, she highlighted the challenges that modern technology poses to the developing brains of children, stating that they are “incapable” of processing the overwhelming influx of information and stimulation that these devices provide.
“Our brains are incapable of that influx,” Roberts remarked, emphasizing the negative impact on “little, sweet, soft mushy brains” that would benefit more from outdoor activities rather than screen time. Her comments resonate with growing concerns about mental well-being and the developmental implications of technology on younger generations.
Roberts Reflects on Raising Sons in a Digital Age
Roberts noted her relief that her sons have not engaged with the troubling trends associated with online platforms, particularly the rise of misogyny and negative influences on social media. “I mean, I’m raising two young men with my husband and couldn’t be more proud,” she said. She described her sons as “curious and sure-footed,” attributing the emergence of online cruelty to underlying insecurities in individuals.
While many believe that generational gaps in understanding are widening, Roberts dismissed this notion. Laughing, she said, “I mean, every generation thinks that — remember Elvis?” She criticized the tendency to romanticize the past, stating, “It is unfortunate when people go, ‘Well, in my day …’ All that bulls***.” Instead, she celebrates the vibrancy of youth, declaring teenagers to be the “raddest creatures on the planet.”
During a recent school parent meeting, Roberts witnessed a moment that encapsulated her admiration for young people. Amid discussions about parental concerns regarding music choices and screen time, one mother passionately declared her love for teenagers, reinforcing Roberts’ belief in appreciating youth rather than criticizing it.
Shifting Perspectives on Work and Parenting
Roberts also reflected on how motherhood has transformed her approach to her career. In her latest role as Alma in the film After the Hunt, she described a newfound perspective on work commitments. “Basically, when I became a parent, I learnt that I could not take a job unless I was fully committed to it,” she explained.
This commitment involves grappling with complex characters, as Roberts found herself torn about whether she liked or understood Alma. “That is a reason to leave the comfort of my own home for work, right? To go someplace uncomfortable,” she noted.
Julia Roberts’ candid insights underscore the ongoing conversation about the influence of technology on youth and the balancing act of parenthood in modern society. With her blend of humor and serious reflection, she continues to engage audiences on issues that affect families today.
