Have you ever wondered what the people who run the biggest tech companies really think about all the time we spend online? I mean, these are the folks creating the apps that keep us scrolling for hours. Yet, more and more of them are coming out and saying they keep their own kids on a pretty tight leash when it comes to screens and social media. It’s kind of eye-opening, isn’t it?
Recently, the head of one of the world’s most popular video platforms shared that he and his wife carefully control how much time their three children spend on apps and online content. They’re stricter during the week, a bit more relaxed on weekends, but the key phrase he used was “everything in moderation.” And he’s far from alone in this approach.
In a world where kids seem glued to their devices from an early age, hearing this from tech insiders feels like a wake-up call. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is that these parents have firsthand knowledge of how these platforms are designed. They know the algorithms, the engagement tricks, all of it. So if they’re setting boundaries at home, maybe there’s something we should all pay attention to.
Why Tech Leaders Are Drawing the Line
It’s not just one or two executives. This has become a pattern across the industry. From founders of massive software companies to investors and entrepreneurs, many are choosing to delay giving their children smartphones or unrestricted internet access. Some wait until their kids are well into their teens before handing over a full-featured phone.
One well-known billionaire even went as far as installing special networking equipment at home to monitor and control which apps his children could use. He could literally shut down access when he felt it was time to unplug. That’s commitment right there.
Another former leader of the same video platform mentioned only allowing her younger children to use a specially designed kids’ version of the app, and even then, with strict time limits. She openly said that too much of anything isn’t healthy, including screen time.
Too much of anything is not a good thing.
– Former tech executive and mother
These aren’t helicopter parents panicking over nothing. These are people who understand the technology inside out. They’ve seen the data on how constant connectivity affects attention spans, sleep patterns, and social development. In my view, their choices speak volumes.
The Growing Evidence Behind Their Concerns
Over the past decade, researchers have been sounding alarms about the impact of heavy social media and smartphone use on young minds. Studies link excessive screen time to increased anxiety, depression, and even changes in brain development. Social comparison, cyberbullying, and the endless dopamine hits from likes and notifications—it’s a lot for adults to handle, let alone children.
One prominent social psychologist has been particularly vocal, arguing that kids shouldn’t have smartphones before high school and should wait even longer for social media accounts. He suggests simple flip phones for basic communication if needed, emphasizing that modern smartphones are far more than just phones—they’re portals to constant stimulation.
I’ve found that when experts who study this for a living reach similar conclusions as tech insiders, it’s worth taking seriously. The combination of real-world design knowledge and academic research paints a clear picture: early, unrestricted access can come with real risks.
- Higher rates of anxiety and depression correlated with heavy social media use
- Disrupted sleep from late-night scrolling and blue light exposure
- Reduced face-to-face social skills in favor of digital interactions
- Constant comparison leading to lower self-esteem
- Addictive design features intentionally keeping users engaged longer
Of course, not every child will experience severe issues, and technology has plenty of benefits too. Educational content, staying connected with distant family, creative expression—these are all positive sides. But balance seems to be the key word that keeps coming up.
How These Families Actually Manage Screen Time
So how do busy, high-profile tech parents make this work in practice? From what they’ve shared, it’s about setting clear rules and leading by example.
Many ban devices at the dinner table. Family meals become genuine no-phone zones, encouraging conversation and connection. Others designate tech-free times or areas in the house, like bedrooms after a certain hour.
Weekdays often mean minimal recreational screen time, reserved mostly for homework if needed. Weekends allow more flexibility, but still within reason. Some use built-in parental control tools, while others take a more hands-on approach with custom solutions.
We do limit their time on YouTube and other platforms… We’re not perfect by any stretch.
– Current tech CEO and father of three
I appreciate the honesty there. Nobody’s claiming to have it all figured out perfectly. Parenting in the digital age is new territory for everyone. But admitting imperfection while still prioritizing boundaries feels relatable and human.
Interestingly, many of these parents encourage alternatives. Board games, sports, reading physical books, outdoor activities—these become the default rather than the exception. It’s about intentionally creating space for non-digital experiences.
What This Means for Everyday Parents
If the people inventing and running these platforms are cautious with their own families, what should the rest of us take from that? It’s not about demonizing technology entirely. These same leaders are proud of the positive impact their products can have. But they’re also aware of the potential downsides when use becomes excessive.
For regular families, this trend highlights the importance of mindful parenting around tech. We don’t have insider knowledge or unlimited resources, but we can still set reasonable limits that work for our households.
Start with open conversations about why rules exist. Kids are more likely to follow guidelines they understand. Then, be consistent—rules without follow-through don’t stick. And crucially, model the behavior yourself. If parents are constantly on their phones, it’s tough to expect kids to unplug.
- Have family discussions about screen time and its effects
- Set clear, age-appropriate boundaries
- Use available tools like parental controls and time limits
- Create tech-free zones and times in your routine
- Encourage and participate in offline activities together
- Regularly check in and adjust rules as children grow
- Lead by example with your own device habits
Every family is different. What works for one might not fit another. Some parents are more permissive, others stricter. The common thread among these tech leaders seems to be intentionality—thinking carefully about how technology fits into family life rather than letting it take over by default.
The Bigger Picture: Society’s Response
This isn’t just happening in individual homes. Entire countries are starting to act. One nation recently became the first to ban major social media platforms for anyone under 16. Public support was overwhelmingly high, showing that many parents feel overwhelmed and want help protecting their kids.
Platforms themselves are responding too. Child-safe versions of apps, better parental controls, age verification—these features are improving, partly because leaders feel responsibility toward young users.
One CEO recently spoke about making it easier for parents to customize their children’s experience based on what feels right for their family. Recognizing that every household has unique values and comfort levels is refreshing.
In my experience, change often starts at the top. When influential figures share their personal choices openly, it normalizes conversations that might otherwise feel judgmental. Suddenly, setting limits doesn’t make you a Luddite or overprotective—it makes you thoughtful.
Finding Balance in a Connected World
Let’s be real: completely shielding kids from technology isn’t realistic or even desirable in today’s world. Digital literacy is a crucial skill. Many jobs require tech proficiency, and online resources can be incredibly valuable for learning and creativity.
The goal isn’t elimination—it’s mindful integration. Teaching children how to use technology healthily from the start sets them up for better habits as adults. Delayed gratification, boredom tolerance, real-world social skills—these are harder to learn once constant stimulation becomes the norm.
Think of it like teaching nutrition. We don’t ban all sugar forever, but we don’t let toddlers live on candy either. We guide them toward balanced choices. The same principle applies here.
Some families find success with “tech sabbaths”—one day a week completely offline. Others use reward systems where screen time is earned through chores or physical activity. There are countless approaches, and experimenting to find what works for your family is part of the journey.
What’s encouraging is seeing tech leaders practice what feels like common sense to many parents who’ve been concerned for years. Their visibility brings broader attention to the issue and hopefully drives better design choices industry-wide.
Moving Forward as Parents and Partners
In couple life, these decisions often require partnership. Discussing and agreeing on tech rules together strengthens unity. One parent enforcing limits while the other undermines them creates confusion for kids and tension between partners.
Talking openly about concerns, sharing articles or expert opinions, and compromising on approaches can turn potential conflict into collaboration. Many couples find that aligning on digital boundaries actually improves their overall communication and teamwork.
Ultimately, this trend among tech executives reminds us that parenting choices aren’t about perfection. They’re about doing our best with the information we have, adjusting as we go, and prioritizing our children’s well-being—even when it’s inconvenient.
Watching industry leaders set examples in their own homes gives hope that positive change is possible. Maybe we’ll see more innovation focused on healthy use rather than endless engagement. In the meantime, families everywhere can take inspiration and create their own balanced approach.
Because at the end of the day, the moments that matter most—the conversations, the laughter, the shared experiences—happen when we’re truly present. And sometimes, that means choosing to disconnect in order to connect more deeply.
What do you think—have you set screen limits in your home? It’s a conversation worth having, and one that’s only becoming more important as technology evolves.
