In an intimate revelation, renowned actress Penélope Cruz bares her protective instincts as a mother, shedding light on her parenting approach with daughter Luna, 10, and son Leo, 12, whom she shares with actor Javier Bardem. Featured on the cover of ELLE’s February 2024 issue, Cruz opens up about her commitment to ensuring her children navigate the limelight on their own terms and timeline.

Cruz, 49, discloses a distinctive facet of her parenting philosophy – her adamant decision not to equip her youngsters with cell phones. In an era dominated by digital connectivity, the Oscar-winning actress emphasizes her concern about the potential manipulation that young minds could face, particularly considering their ongoing cognitive development.

“It’s so easy to be manipulated, especially if you have a brain that is still forming,” she articulates, highlighting the vulnerability of young individuals in the face of the ever-evolving technological landscape.

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Expressing her reservations about the impact of social media on the mental well-being of adolescents, Cruz contends, “And who pays the price? Not us, not our generation, who, maybe at 25, learned how a BlackBerry worked.” She goes on to characterize the pervasive influence of digital platforms on the younger generation as a “cruel experiment on children, on teenagers.”

In an earlier interview, Penélope Cruz hinted at the possibility of delaying her children’s foray into social media until they reach the age of 16. Citing concerns about the lack of safeguards for developing minds and the potential ramifications on self-perception and bullying, Cruz passionately advocates for the protection of mental health in an age where connectivity often outpaces understanding.

“I really see that that is protecting mental health, but I seem to be part of a minority,” Cruz concludes, acknowledging the evolving landscape of parenting in an era where the allure of social media and technology confronts traditional notions of childhood.

As a steadfast guardian of her children’s well-being, Cruz’s perspective offers a glimpse into the nuanced challenges faced by modern parents navigating the delicate balance between technological integration and safeguarding the innocence of youth.