In a recent interview with MTV, actress Millie Bobby Brown opened up about the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, particularly the relentless online bullying she has faced. As someone who became famous at a young age, she has been subjected to harsh criticism about her appearance, personality, and even the way she speaks. Sadly, her experience isn’t unique to celebrities—children and teenagers today face increasing scrutiny online, whether they have thousands of followers or just a small group of classmates watching their every move.
Her story raises an important question for parents: How do we raise our children to navigate a world where online criticism, bullying, and unrealistic expectations are the norm? Here’s what we can learn from Millie Bobby Brown’s experience and how we can help our children build resilience in the digital age.
This is the interview. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGdfnNWgY/
1. Teaching Our Children That Online Words Have Power
One of the biggest issues with social media is the way it dehumanises people. Many feel emboldened to say things they would never dare to say in person. In Millie Bobby Brown’s case, people have ridiculed her facial expressions, her voice, and even accused her of being “too mature” or “too childish” at different points in her life—contradictory criticism that proves you can never please everyone online.
For our children, this lesson is crucial. Whether they are dealing with direct cyberbullying or just witnessing the way others are spoken about online, they need to understand that words have weight. Just because someone is a public figure—or even a classmate who posts regularly—does not mean they deserve to be ridiculed.
Encouraging our kids to practice empathy online is key. Before posting a comment, we can teach them to ask themselves:
• Would I say this to their face?
• How would I feel if this was said about me?
• Does this comment add kindness or value to the conversation?
These simple questions can help children and teenagers develop a more thoughtful approach to their online interactions.
2. Helping Our Children Build a Strong Sense of Self
Millie Bobby Brown has spoken about how the constant online criticism has impacted her self-esteem. When people continuously comment on her appearance or personality, it can be difficult to separate her real self from the version of her that the internet picks apart.
This is something many young people experience, even if they aren’t famous. With social media, they are constantly being watched, judged, and compared to unrealistic beauty and success standards. When their self-worth becomes tied to how many likes or comments they receive, it can be incredibly damaging.
As parents, we can help by reinforcing their self-worth beyond their online presence. Complimenting their kindness, intelligence, and creativity rather than just their looks can help them develop confidence that isn’t dependent on outside validation. Encouraging offline hobbies and passions—whether it’s art, music, sports, or writing—gives them a sense of identity that isn’t built on social media approval.
One simple but effective way to support our kids is regularly asking them what they are proud of that has nothing to do with the internet. Helping them define their self-worth on their own terms makes them more resilient against online negativity.
3. Setting Healthy Boundaries with Social Media
While social media can be a powerful tool for connection and creativity, it can also become overwhelming. Even adults struggle with managing their screen time and avoiding toxic online spaces—so for children, it’s even more important to set boundaries.
Millie Bobby Brown has spoken about taking breaks from social media to protect her mental health. This is something we can encourage our own children to do as well. Some ways to establish healthy social media habits include:
• Setting screen time limits: Whether it’s no phone use after a certain time at night or limiting social media to an hour per day, small changes can make a big difference.
• Encouraging social media breaks: Regular digital detox days can help children and teens reconnect with real-life experiences.
• Creating a safe space for conversation: If they encounter online negativity, they should feel comfortable coming to us for guidance rather than hiding their struggles.
The key is not making social media the villain but teaching children to use it in a way that enhances their lives rather than controlling them.
4. Teaching Our Kids That They Don’t Owe the Internet Anything
One of the most powerful messages from Millie Bobby Brown’s experience is that she doesn’t owe anyone an explanation for who she is, how she speaks, or how she chooses to present herself.
This is a message that more young people need to hear. In the age of social media, there is immense pressure to document every aspect of life and present it in a way that pleases others. Whether it’s feeling the need to post selfies, follow trends, or respond to criticism, many children and teenagers struggle with the expectation that they must always be available and “on.”
As parents, we can remind them that they don’t owe social media anything. They don’t have to respond to negativity. They don’t have to share personal details if they don’t want to. They have the right to set boundaries with their online presence and step away when it no longer serves them.
Final Thoughts: Raising Resilient, Kind, and Confident Kids
Millie Bobby Brown’s experience in the public eye highlights a reality that all young people face today: the internet can be a cruel place, but it doesn’t have to define who they are.
As parents, our role is to guide our children through this digital world with confidence, kindness, and resilience. By teaching them to think before they post, reinforcing their self-worth beyond social media, setting healthy boundaries, and reminding them that they don’t owe the internet anything, we can help them grow into strong, self-assured individuals who know their value—both online and offline.
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