Julia Roberts has voiced her concerns regarding the excessive use of mobile phones among young people. The acclaimed actress, who is a mother to 20-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus and 18-year-old son Henry, believes that the overwhelming stimulation and information from these devices can be detrimental to the developing brains of children. In an interview with Sunday Times Culture, she remarked, “Our brains are incapable of that influx, our eyeballs, brains, all that is too much, especially for little, sweet, soft mushy brains, that need to be filled instead with mud and fields.”
Roberts Reflects on Parenting and Online Culture
Roberts expressed her gratitude that her sons have not engaged with the rising tide of misogyny found in certain online spaces. She stated, “I mean, I’m raising two young men with my husband and couldn’t be more proud. They’re curious and sure-footed, and this sporting game of cruelty comes from insecurity, from feeling that you live on a very slippery slope.” Her perspective highlights a growing concern among parents about the influence of online culture on youth.
The actress also addressed the notion that generational divides are widening. Laughing, she stated, “I mean, every generation thinks that — remember Elvis? It is unfortunate when people go, ‘Well, in my day …’ All that bulls***. I love being with young people.” Her enthusiasm for engaging with the younger generation underscores her belief in their potential and vibrancy.
Roberts Shares Insights on Teenagers and Work-Life Balance
Roberts described her admiration for teenagers, referring to them as the “raddest creatures on the planet.” She recounted a moment at a school parent meeting where parents shared their concerns about their children’s music choices and phone habits. One mother, whom Roberts described as “so cool and beautiful,” passionately declared her love for teenagers. This comment resonated with Roberts, prompting her to reflect on how much adults may miss by assuming they know better than the younger generation.
The actress also noted that becoming a parent significantly changed her perspective on work. Discussing her role as Alma in the upcoming film After the Hunt, Roberts shared, “Basically, when I became a parent, I learnt that I could not take a job unless I was fully committed to it.” She elaborated on her internal conflict with her character, saying, “If I still felt like I had one foot in the house, I could not do it, but the thing that intrigued me here was that I just couldn’t decide if I liked Alma or hated her. Or even understood her.”
Roberts emphasized the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone to engage with challenging roles, stating, “And that is a reason to leave the comfort of my own home for work, right? To go someplace uncomfortable …”
Through her candid reflections, Julia Roberts not only highlights pressing issues related to youth and technology but also demonstrates a deep commitment to parenting and the complexities of balancing family life with a demanding career.
