Why Kirsten Dunst Chooses to Raise Tech-Free Kids for Meaningful Conversations

Kirsten Dunst s Kids Aren t Allowed Electronics Not Raising a Kid That Can t Have Conversations 101

Kirsten Dunst. Jon Kopaloff/WireImage

Kirsten Dunst, who is 41 years old, has two sons named Ennis, 5, and James, 2, with her husband Jesse Plemons. She recently mentioned in an interview with Variety that she prefers her kids to stay away from electronics while they are at home.

“We’ve got record players,” Dunst said.

Dunst added that by keeping her children off the internet, she hopes they will grow up to be able to hold face-to-face conversations.

"We don't rely on Siri to play music in our home, and our kids don't have iPads. If they want to use one on a plane, they can use Dad's iPad," the mom of two explained. "We prefer not to use phones at the dinner table."

"I want to raise a child who can engage in conversations at the table," Dunst emphasized.

Dunst and Plemons, who are both 36 years old, usually keep their family life private. However, in September 2023, Dunst posted a picture on Instagram of their son James playing under a Spider-Man umbrella.

Kirsten Dunst and Husband Jesse Plemons Enjoy Date Night at ‘Civil War’ Movie Premiere

Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons. Monica Schipper/Getty Images

“Has No Clue His Mom Was MJ,” she captioned the photo, which was taken by Plemons.

She mentioned at the New York Film Festival premiere of The Power of the Dog in 2021 that she would back her children's career goals as they grow up, even if it involves pursuing acting.

"If they choose to pursue acting, I will support my kids in whatever they decide to do," she expressed.

But at the moment, the kids are sticking to a simpler way of living without iPads. Surprisingly, they still manage to stay updated on the latest shows that are popular among their peers. Dunst mentioned that she hasn't watched the newer Spider-Man series, but she did find time to watch another well-liked series.

"It's not really my cup of tea. However, I did catch an episode of Paw Patrol," she shared.

During a recent interview with Variety, Kirsten Dunst shared insights into her personal life, her upcoming role in the 2024 dystopian thriller Civil War, and her thoughts on the gender pay gap in Hollywood.

One topic of discussion was how her Spider-Man costar Tobey Maguire earned $17 million for a sequel, while she did not receive the same compensation.

Dunst mentioned that her salary for the movie might have been more than what was previously stated. She acknowledged that it was significantly different and attributed it to her previous work in Bring It On and her track record.

Regarding Civil War, although it is not marketed as a political film, many viewers are interpreting it that way. Nonetheless, Dunst believes that the movie will spark meaningful discussions.

Dunst shared, "Do you really think it's not political? I mean, it's an antiwar film. After watching this movie, you'll want to discuss it with others for a while. I believe any movie that sparks such conversations is truly remarkable."

Civil War is set to premiere in the United States on Friday, April 12.

Editor's P/S:

Kirsten Dunst's parenting approach, prioritizing face-to-face interactions and limiting screen time, is commendable. Her emphasis on fostering conversation and developing social skills in her children is vital in an increasingly digital world. While her perspective aligns with many parents' concerns about excessive screen usage, it's essential to note that technology can also be a valuable tool for education and staying connected. Finding a balance that allows children to engage with technology responsibly while still maintaining strong interpersonal connections is crucial.

Dunst's experience with the gender pay gap in Hollywood highlights the ongoing inequalities faced by women in the industry. Her realization that her compensation for "Spider-Man" was significantly lower than her male co-star despite her established career is a testament to the need for further progress in addressing gender-based disparities in pay. It's important to continue supporting initiatives that promote equal pay and representation for women in all fields.