Sarah Michelle Gellar Embraces Realistic Approach to Managing Kids' Screen Time (Interview)

Sarah Michelle Gellar effortlessly takes on vampires, werewolves, and more on screen. However, off screen, she finds it challenging to protect her two children in a world full of technology.

During an interview with We, Gellar, 46, shared her thoughts on technology while discussing her partnership with UScellular for the Global Day of Unplugging on March 1. She mentioned, "There’s parts of [technology] that are great, and there are parts of it that aren’t. I love the idea that I know where they are at all times because it shows up on my phone."

Reflecting on her own childhood experiences, Gellar recalled navigating New York City by taking two crosstown buses to school. She contrasted her experience with her children's ability to be tracked through technology, stating, "My mom had no idea where I was, and I can’t even imagine what that must’ve been like for her."

Sarah Michelle Gellar, known for her role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has been married to Freddie Prinze Jr. for almost 22 years. Together, they have a 14-year-old daughter named Charlotte and an 11-year-old son named Rocky. The couple enforces strict rules for their children regarding internet usage and devices, but it's not just about limiting screen time.

Gellar acknowledges the challenges of keeping kids entertained, especially during rainy days. She believes in being realistic with her children about how they spend their time.

That means setting some rules. Gellar mentioned that their children must wait until they finish elementary school before getting their own phone. "You have to complete primary school to have a phone, so my son will be getting his phone in June," Gellar told Us. "He doesn't have one yet. He uses an iPad for when we travel and other things."

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Sarah Michelle Gellar, known for her role in The Do Revenge, also makes sure to use parental controls when her children use electronic devices. She monitors the amount of time they spend on screens and the content they are viewing. Gellar believes that children still need guidance in self-regulation since it is a skill that even adults are still learning.

Gellar has control over the devices she buys for her kids, but she can't control other kids and their phones. This can sometimes lead to awkward situations. One time, Gellar was surprised when one of Rocky's friends showed him something on the internet about her.

"It was actually my son who came home one day and mentioned that so-and-so has a phone," she shared. "They searched something up, and we had to explain that it's not okay." Gellar mentioned that the school has certain protections in place. "In the lower school, many of the computers have restrictions. You can't search up parents because that information is not necessary. I definitely don't want my fifth grader watching 'Cruel Intentions'."

Her son will have a learning experience this summer as he navigates the boundaries set by his mom regarding his phone. Gellar explained that she controls the websites he can access initially as a way to teach him. She also mentioned that when the phone shuts off, it helps them realize how much time they have spent on it, and she decides if they can have more time.

While screen time is a challenge, social media use poses a different issue. Gellar pointed out that her kids have to "earn" the privilege of having social profiles after getting a phone, something that her daughter Charlotte did not appreciate.

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Courtesy of Sarah Michelle Gellar/Instagram

"My daughter was upset because she was one of the last to get on social media," she mentioned. "I had to remind her that being the child of public figures comes with different rules. My son, on the other hand, doesn't really care about that. When my daughter first got social media, we made a rule that she had to show us what she wanted to post and get our approval. We wanted her to think about the message behind her posts. It's a new set of rules that they need to learn, and it's not easy."

Charlotte is not the only one navigating these new rules. Gellar also shared that she is trying to understand what is considered appropriate in today's digital world compared to when she was growing up.

As I was talking to my daughter, I realized that I grew up in the '80s. Back then, we were told not to talk to strangers or meet people online. But now, kids make friends online and she has even made great friends from different cities. It's like having pen pals, which wasn't weird before. We are both navigating this new world together without a roadmap.

We are also learning how to disconnect together. Gellar partnered with UScellular for the Global Day of Unplugging to promote healthier digital habits.

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Gellar mentioned to Us that unplugging is not discussed enough. She pointed out the negative effects of excessive digital connection such as increased loneliness, lack of eye contact, and difficulty in face-to-face communication. She emphasized the importance of taking breaks from screens for personal well-being.

She further explained that in today's fast-paced world, people often rely on screens to fill their time instead of engaging in activities that nourish their souls. The constant use of digital devices can prevent individuals from truly connecting with themselves and others.

When UScellular approached Sarah Michelle Gellar to collaborate with them for the Day of Global Unplugging, she immediately agreed. She saw it as a wonderful opportunity to set a positive example for her children, emphasizing the importance of balancing technology use with unplugged time.

In addition to partnering with Gellar, UScellular will be donating up to $10,000 to the nonprofit organization Unplug Collaborative. This organization is responsible for coordinating the Global Day of Unplugging. For every share of the Global Day of Unplugging image on Gellar’s social media accounts, UScellular will contribute to this cause.

Editor's P/S:

Sarah Michelle Gellar's insights on technology and parenting resonate deeply with me. As a parent, I share her concerns about the potential risks of excessive screen time and social media use for children. Her approach to setting limits, monitoring usage, and emphasizing the importance of self-regulation is commendable. It's a balancing act, and I appreciate her honesty about the challenges involved.

Gellar's emphasis on the need for disconnection is particularly poignant. In today's hyperconnected world, it's easy to get lost in the digital realm. Her reminder that real-life interactions, face-to-face communication, and activities that nourish our souls are essential for our well-being is a valuable lesson for both children and adults alike. Her partnership with UScellular to promote healthier digital habits is a positive step towards fostering a more balanced relationship with technology in our lives.