How Aishwarya Rai Bachchan raised daughter Aaradhya away from phones and social media: 4 parenting lessons parents can learn

At the Red Sea Film Festival’s In-Conversation with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan session, the actor made one thing clear: her daughter Aaradhya is not on social media. In that conversation, Aishwarya said, “that isn’t her; she’s not on social media,” addressing the fake profiles that circulate online. The festival’s official programme lists the session, and the remark has since been widely picked up from that appearance. That simple line opens a much larger parenting story. Aaradhya has been kept away from the pull of constant online visibility, and Abhishek Bachchan has also said in a separate interview that their daughter does not have a mobile phone, while crediting Aishwarya for the steady, hands-on work of raising her. The result is a rare kind of celebrity childhood: visible when necessary, protected the rest of the time. Scroll down to read more...

Make digital access a decision, not a default

One of the clearest lessons here is that phones and social platforms do not have to be automatic milestones. Aishwarya’s approach suggests that digital access can wait until a child is emotionally ready for it, not simply old enough to ask for it. That matters because the early teen years are often when children are most vulnerable to comparison, pressure, and public scrutiny, especially when the world already feels one tap too close. Aaradhya’s case shows a family choosing to slow that entry point down.

Let childhood be bigger than the screen

Raising a child in an environment that limits phone usage is not merely about enforcing strict restrictions. It encompasses a broader focus on preserving fundamental aspects of life: the ability to experience boredom, engage in meaningful conversations, develop sustained attention spans, cherish family time, and appreciate the richness of ordinary life away from screens. Aaradhya’s upbringing has been meticulously noted as intentionally grounded, with her parents making a dedicated and conscious effort to shield her from the cacophony that often accompanies social media and the constant scrutiny of living in a world where one is perpetually on display. This approach is not solely a privilege reserved for celebrities; instead, it represents a parenting choice that numerous families can adapt in more modest ways, such as enforcing screen-free time during meals, homework sessions, and bedtime routines.

One parent does not have to do it all, but someone has to do the heavy lifting

Abhishek Bachchan’s commendation of Aishwarya stood out vividly due to its candid nature: he openly acknowledged her substantial role in performing the challenging responsibilities involved in raising their daughter, Aaradhya. This statement, while seemingly straightforward, underscores a time-honored truth about the intricacies of parenting, children flourish in environments of stability and reliability. Such consistency is often derived from one dedicated adult who ensures that the household rules remain steady and unchanging, even amidst the busyness and chaos of life. In Aishwarya’s particular situation, the portrayal is that of a devoted mother who has remained actively engaged in the everyday experiences that shape her daughter’s upbringing, rather than delegating that significant role to technology or the influence of the masses.

Privacy can be an act of care, not secrecy

Aishwarya’s steadfast decision to prevent the clamor of the online world from dictating Aaradhya’s childhood serves as a crucial reminder that safeguarding privacy is a significant form of protection. In her response to the multitude of fake accounts, she not only aimed to rectify the misinformation but also took a bold stance to draw a clear boundary around her daughter’s identity and personal life. This boundary holds immense importance in a time where children frequently become digital content before they reach an age to offer their own consent. The key takeaway for parents is both straightforward and profoundly impactful: not every single moment of a child’s life requires sharing online, and it is not necessary for every child to establish a public profile before they have developed their own public voice.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s parenting philosophy may be wrapped in celebrity, but the core idea is refreshingly ordinary: keep children rooted in real life before the internet gets a claim on them. For many parents, that may be the most useful lesson of all.