Eva Mendes recently shared details about the firm cell phone rules she and husband Ryan Gosling enforce for their daughters, Esmeralda, 11, and Amada, 9. The couple is holding off on smartphones, a decision resonating with a growing number of parents concerned about early exposure to digital pressures.
Delaying Smartphones: A Rising Trend
Mendes revealed her stance on Instagram, bluntly denying her 11-year-old’s request for a phone with a GIF emphatically shaking her head “no.” This approach isn’t isolated. The “Wait Until 8th” campaign, founded in 2017, advocates delaying smartphone access until at least eighth grade, mirroring the concerns of many parents.
Brooke Shannon, founder of the campaign, notes that the discussion reflects a broader struggle: giving children independence without the immediate pressures of smartphones. The nostalgic return to landlines, as suggested by some commenters, highlights parents actively seeking alternatives.
Expert Recommendations and Reality
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until age 13 before allowing social media access. However, 38% of children aged 8-12 already use social media, indicating a disconnect between guidelines and real-world behavior.
Prioritizing Boredom and Presence
Mendes has previously spoken about actively encouraging boredom in her daughters. She believes unstructured time fosters creativity, problem-solving, and independent thought – qualities often stifled by constant digital stimulation.
This approach stems from personal reflection. Mendes admitted her own daughter once called her out for excessive phone use, prompting a candid conversation and apology. She recognized that physical presence doesn’t equal mindful engagement, a realization that drove her to prioritize being present with her children.
Modeling Healthy Behavior
Mendes’ transparency about her own struggles sets a powerful example. Her commitment to protecting her daughters from potential digital harms, though unpopular in the moment, likely will be appreciated later. By setting strict boundaries and acknowledging her own shortcomings, she reinforces the importance of mindful tech use within the family.
The couple’s approach underscores the growing recognition that delaying smartphone access is not about deprivation, but about safeguarding childhood, fostering healthy development, and modeling responsible behavior.
