What does Joseph Fiennes think has made parenting 'impossible'?
Joseph Fiennes has called for tougher legislation around social media and children.
Joseph Fiennes thinks social media has made being a parent "impossible".
The Dear England actor - who has two daughters, aged 16 and 14, with wife Maria Dolores Fieguez - takes strict control of his girls' phones but admitted it isn't an easy job helping them to navigate the online world when up against the resources of tech companies.
Noting his kids are on social media only when he "allows them to be", he told the Guardian newspaper he would now include parent as the toughest job alongside his previous quip that prime minister and England soccer coach are the most difficult.
He explained: “It is impossible. We are up against the f****** nightmare of tech companies and devices and the disruption of brain chemistry that hijacks our kids in the most valuable and poignant part of their lives – their childhood.
"On the way here, I’m walking the dog, I’m picking up poo, and at the same time I’m trying to manage screen time and being bombarded with messages: ‘Can you release my phone?’ It’s such a hard thing to say no and to insist on no devices in the bedroom after a certain time. But I do that, yes, 100%.”
The 55-year-old actor believes social media is the "great manipulation" and the biggest factor in the rise of extreme politics.
He added: “And it’s driven by big business, by billionaires.”
Joseph is particularly furious about the advertising on sites such as Instagram which target young children, and called for more legislation.
He fumed: "Children as young as 10 are trying to buy beauty products that make themselves look really young … It’s mad. As a parent, you’re not up against the influence of someone else talking to your child. You’re up against Zuckerberg’s team of scientists.
"So how the f***are you going to win? You’re not going to win. And it’s a daily struggle, a daily event, and it’s exhausting, and we need help.”
The Shakespeare in Love star is also concerned about the lack of legislation surrounding vaping, noting how the marketing has changed from simple early devices to colourful packaging and appealing fruity flavours.
He said: “You can see what these companies are saying is: ‘Let’s target the kids, get them signed up as early as possible.’ And I’m f****** livid with it. I hate it. This is where a government [should step in].
“Let’s block f****** social media. Let’s stop companies targeting kids. Young, fragile brains. Don’t flip-flop around. Where is the government? Why aren’t they bringing in heavy legislation against these companies? Stand up, Keir [Starmer], this is your kids’ generation.”
