‘I don’t think fathers…’: Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya for parenting Aaradhya, says she does not use social media; how parents can share responsibilities fairly

Abhishek also opened up about the values they are raising Aaradhya with, revealing that she isn’t on social media and doesn’t even have a phone. “She is not on any social media, and doesn’t have a phone either. I think she is brought up to be a very conscientious girl… She is who she is and she is turning out to be a wonderful little lady. She is the pride and joy of the family.” 

Reflecting on fatherhood, he fondly added, “She used to literally fit on my forearm. Aaradhya is taller than Aishwarya.”

So, how important is it for children, especially pre-teens, to stay away from social media and smartphones during their formative years?

“Children in their pre-teen years are undergoing critical stages of cognitive and emotional development. At this age, their sense of identity, self-worth, and social understanding are still forming. Introducing them to social media and smartphones too early can lead to overstimulation, reduced attention spans, and increased exposure to harmful comparisons, cyberbullying, and unrealistic ideals,” says psychologist Raashi Gurnani in a conversation with indianexpress.com. 

Gurnani adds that when children are kept away from digital distractions during these years, it allows their brains to develop more organically. “They’re more likely to engage in imaginative play, physical activity, face-to-face social interactions, and emotional processing — all of which are essential for a healthy sense of self and resilience.”

How can both parents share responsibilities fairly

Gurnani mentions, “Abhishek Bachchan’s comment about Aishwarya Rai doing the ‘heavy lifting’ is reflective of an often invisible yet deeply impactful part of parenting — emotional labour. This includes anticipating children’s needs, managing their emotional states, organising routines, and being emotionally available at all times.” 

In many households, she continues, this labour disproportionately falls on mothers, often without conscious acknowledgment. It’s important that parenting becomes a shared emotional and logistical responsibility. This means open communication between partners, defined roles, mutual appreciation, and a conscious effort to balance involvement — not just in chores, but in emotional presence and decision-making.

Strategies parents can adopt to raise mindful, grounded children in today’s screen-heavy world

Raising a mindful, conscientious child in a world dominated by screens requires intentional parenting. Gurnani states, “It’s not about complete deprivation but about setting boundaries with empathy and consistency. Parents can model balanced tech use themselves, create device-free zones or hours (like during meals or before bedtime), and replace screen time with activities that foster real connection — reading together, outdoor play, or creative expression.”

Equally important is teaching emotional regulation and critical thinking from a young age, so children learn how to navigate both offline and online worlds with awareness. The goal isn’t to shield them forever but to equip them with the tools to handle digital influence wisely when the time comes.

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