Matthew McConaughey has sparked a debate after sharing a recent parenting decision.
The Lincoln Lawyer actor shares three children with his wife Camila Alves, Levi, Vida, and Livingston.
McConaughey opened up about their philosophy around social media, which parents have hailed as a ‘good example.’
Speaking on TODAY Parents, the Interstellar actor explained the decision to not allow Levi on social media until he was 15 years old, but that he asked for permission earlier.
McConaughey then said he and his wife spent a lot of time preparing him for the world of social media and wanted to ensure he used it safely and positively.
“Oh he wanted it early on, probably when he was 12, definitely 13. Definitely 14. And we waited till he was 15. [We spent] two years trying to really define what social media is to him.
“Let’s talk about what it is. Let’s talk about the upfalls. Let’s talk about the downfalls. Let’s talk about the assets. Let’s talk about the traps. Let’s talk about what you wanna tell.
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“Because what happens a lot of times with young people and social media is they wake up in the morning and the first thing on their mind is, ‘What will be a good post?’ instead of, ‘What do I want to do today?'”
He explained that he wanted to avoid his eldest son entering a world where ‘strangers are telling you who you are and if you should feel confident about yourself.’
Many social media users and parents took the time to express their gratitude for a public figure spreading this ‘positive’ parenting message and confessed they are or plan to implement the same decision for their children.
“I wish this man would come to schools and talk to parents. I taught middle school. I saw the negative impacts social media had on kids. My child had none of it until he was 16,” one user said.
“Same! My girls don’t get phones til 8th grade and honestly no telling if or when I’ll let them have any social media. Life is meant to be lived in reality not social reality! Thank you for this segment!” another praised.
“I have two teenagers. Once you give it, they are gone to never never land forever,” one parent warned.
“Wish all parents had the same mentality. Children are not learning to communicate,” another stated.
Alright, alright, alright. Looks like McConaughey is on to a winner.
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