Actor Aaron Paul, best known for his role in “Breaking Bad,” has made a heart-felt pledge about his phone usage around his young children: no screen time when he’s with them. This simple but powerful commitment stems from a poignant interaction with his 7-year-old daughter, Story. Paul shared the story during an appearance at WSJ Tech Live.
He recalled how he was preoccupied with an email while Story approached him with a question. Instead of responding fully, Paul brushed her off as he tried to finish the message. His daughter’s subsequent disengagement, retreating back into play without further interaction, deeply affected him.
“I put my phone down and I went to her, and I go, ‘I wanna say I’m sorry for not being responsive to you,’” Paul shared. He then made a pact with Story: “Daddy’s not going to be on his phone when he’s with you anymore.”
Story’s one-word response – “Really?” – struck Paul hard. He realized the depth of her unspoken longing for connection. The fact that she leaped into his arms at his promise underscores a universal truth many parents recognize: even young children crave quality time, undistracted presence, and undivided attention from their caregivers.
Paul’s story has resonated strongly online, eliciting both praise and playful debate in the comment section. Some users lauded Paul as a model father for prioritizing his family over digital distractions. Others humorously confessed to struggling with similar impulses, acknowledging the powerful allure of phones even when surrounded by loved ones.
Regardless of how achievable this complete “cold turkey” approach might be for others, Paul’s story raises important questions about our relationship with technology and its impact on our most intimate connections. It underscores the need for conscious choices around phone usage, especially in moments meant for genuine interaction with family members.
Setting boundaries around screen time – whether completely disconnecting or carving out intentional “no-phone” periods – can undoubtedly benefit families. As parenting expert Mel Robbins puts it, children learn by example: parents who actively manage their own technology habits send a powerful message about the value of real-world connection.
