Grimes, the musician and former partner of Elon Musk, has publicly discussed a significant disagreement with Musk regarding their three children’s upbringing. The core issue revolves around screen time and exposure to the internet, mirroring challenges faced by many co-parents.
The Dispute: Balancing Tech and Childhood
Grimes revealed on social media that she and Musk clash over how much screen time their children—X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl, and Techno Mechanicus—should have. Musk reportedly has no objections to digital exposure, while Grimes actively limits it, favoring slower, high-quality content like Studio Ghibli films. She believes excessive stimulation from platforms such as Cocomelon is detrimental.
“Huge debate cuz the other parent is fine w it but it’s fairly avoided,” Grimes explained. “If it happens we focus on great art and ideally slower stuff like ghibli that isn’t constantly changing context.”
This tension is not new. Grimes has previously criticized Musk for bringing their son X to the Oval Office, lamenting her inability to fully control their children’s public image. The artist has even expressed frustration with the lack of legal recourse to prevent her children from being exposed online.
Broader Implications: Parental Control in the Digital Age
The conflict highlights the difficulties parents face when co-parenting, particularly when one parent has significantly more influence. Grimes’ situation is unique because Musk is a billionaire with extensive media reach, making it harder to maintain her children’s privacy.
However, the underlying issue—disagreement over screen time and digital exposure—is universal. Parents today grapple with how to balance the benefits of technology with the risks of overstimulation, harmful content, and privacy concerns. This debate is further complicated by differing parenting philosophies.
The Unsolvable Problem?
Grimes acknowledges that she cannot dictate what happens during Musk’s custody periods. She relies on creating a low-stimulation environment when the children are with her, but this offers limited control. The situation underscores a fundamental challenge in co-parenting: when philosophies diverge, maintaining consistency and protecting children’s well-being becomes increasingly difficult.
Ultimately, Grimes’ public struggle resonates with many parents navigating similar disagreements. The case serves as a reminder that even high-profile individuals face the same hurdles in raising children in the modern age.
