HGTV sensations Chip and Joanna Gaines have a firm rule about social media use for their children: no social media until they turn 18.
During an appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna, they shared their approach to managing their five kids’ exposure to social media.
View this post on Instagram
Jenna Bush Hager mentioned the topic, noting that many parents are cautious about cell phones and social media, and asked the Fixer Upper stars for their stance.
“Our house rule is you get social media the summer before you go to college. So we have that time, so 18. We have that time to kind of work through that,” Joanna told the hosts.
Although all five of their kids understand that it’s a set rule, Chip added that it hasn’t been easy to enforce.
“But it’s a challenge. I mean, you can tell these kids want it before that,” Chip adds. “It’s not like it’s this agreed place to where we’ve all decided at roughly 18 and they’re like, “Oh thank goodness. I didn’t want it to begin with.” They want it at 12, 13, 14.”
Joanna, agreeing with her husband, mentioned that while their children desire to be on social media, they understand the reason behind the rule. She also noted that their kids have been questioning it less over time.
“They’ve kind of been quiet about it. Like I’d say, I haven’t said anything to them but I’d say for the last year, no one’s asked for it,” Joanna shares.
“I think for us, it’s kind of one of those things where we can say, ‘You have these other things that are really great. Our life is a little different and we care about this specific thing,'” she adds.
Especially when it comes to their two daughters, who are 14 and almost 17, Joanna points out that it’s important to protect them during this vulnerable period.
“Just that’s the age where a lot of things mentally, you’re influenced by and so for me, it’s just, I don’t know.”
View this post on Instagram
Chip and Joanna have been keeping busy lately with the launch of their latest show, Fixer Upper: The Lake House, alongside the announcement of new shows on their Magnolia television network.
Recently, it was revealed that the network is introducing a range of family-friendly unscripted series for the streaming service Max, with the aim of offering content suitable for viewers of all ages. Adding to the excitement, Martina McBride is set to join the cast of a new reality talent competition titled “Second Chance Stage,” set to air in the fall on the Magnolia Network.
Watch Chip and Joanna Gaines’ interview on Today with Hoda & Jenna below.