Grimes, the Canadian musician and former partner of billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, has opened up about her deep concerns over their children’s exposure to the internet.
In a recent interview, she revealed that she "begged" Musk to keep their kids off social media and shield them from the online world, citing the dangers of digital culture and its harmful impact on young minds.
As conversations around social media addiction, digital privacy, and mental health continue to grow, Grimes’ plea highlights the challenges that even the most high-profile parents face when trying to protect their children from the negative effects of the internet.
Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, has always been vocal about her complex relationship with technology. While she embraces futuristic ideas and AI-generated music, she is also deeply aware of the psychological toll of the digital world—especially on children.
In her recent interview, she admitted that she has serious concerns about the way social media is shaping young people’s minds, describing the internet as an environment that is increasingly toxic, addictive, and destructive.
"I begged Elon to keep our kids offline," Grimes said, emphasizing that she fears her children could be negatively influenced by the same technology their father has helped build.
Her comments come at a time when researchers and child development experts are raising alarms about the effects of social media on mental health, particularly for young users.
Grimes and Musk share three children together, including X Æ A-12 (known as X), who has already been part of Musk’s public persona since birth.
Their parenting styles, however, appear to differ significantly—while Musk is known for his open embrace of technology, Grimes seems far more cautious about allowing their children to be immersed in the digital world.
With Musk’s massive influence in tech, from AI to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), their children are inevitably growing up in a hyper-connected environment.
However, Grimes warns that excessive exposure to the internet could be detrimental, noting that many young people today are being "destroyed by the internet."
"It’s not just about screen time—it’s about the way the internet warps reality for kids," she explained.
Many studies have supported this concern, showing that excessive social media use can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and exposure to harmful content.
Elon Musk, who is raising at least 11 known children, has always had a unique and unconventional approach to parenting. He has publicly stated that his kids are educated primarily through his own experimental school, and that he prioritizes STEM learning, coding, and artificial intelligence over traditional education.
Musk has also been a vocal critic of certain aspects of social media, yet paradoxically, he owns and runs X (formerly Twitter)—a platform that plays a massive role in shaping public discourse.
While he has not publicly responded to Grimes’ concerns, his parenting approach suggests that he sees technology as an essential part of the future, making it unlikely that he would completely remove his children from the online world.
Grimes’ comments have reignited discussions about how much exposure children should have to social media and digital platforms.
In recent years, scientific studies and reports have confirmed the dangers of prolonged social media exposure for young people, with findings such as:
Increased anxiety and depression: Studies show a direct link between heavy social media use and rising rates of depression, particularly among teenagers.
Comparison culture: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok create unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards, leading to self-esteem issues.
Privacy concerns: Kids are often unaware of digital footprints, making them vulnerable to online predators and data collection.
Shortened attention spans: Constant exposure to fast-paced digital content has been linked to declining attention spans and focus issues in younger generations.
Tech industry leaders such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs famously restricted their children’s screen time, reinforcing the idea that even those who create technology are wary of its effects on kids.
While Grimes is deeply concerned about keeping their children offline, Musk’s stance on technology and its role in everyday life is far more embracing of digital integration.
However, with growing awareness of the negative effects of social media, many experts and parents—including high-profile figures like Grimes—are pushing for stricter digital boundaries for kids.
It remains to be seen whether Musk will adjust his parenting approach in response to Grimes’ plea or if their children will ultimately be raised in an environment shaped by Musk’s tech-forward philosophy.
Grimes’ warning about the dangers of the internet for young minds reflects a larger concern shared by many modern parents. While technology and social media have transformed the world, they have also introduced new challenges—especially for younger generations growing up in a digital-first world.
Her plea to Musk to keep their children offline may be a personal struggle, but it also raises an important conversation: How do we balance the benefits of technology with the mental well-being of children?
As more research continues to highlight the risks of excessive social media exposure, perhaps Grimes’ concerns are a wake-up call not just for Musk, but for all parents navigating the digital age.
