Jessica Alba Reveals Real Reason She Won't Post a 'Bunch of Thirst Traps' — and Why Only 1 Daughter Has Social Media (Exclusive)

09/17/2024 09:23 AM

"I think it's important to try and set as good of an example as possible," Alba — who is helping Instagram launch its new Teen Accounts feature — tells PEOPLE

Jessica Alba is practicing what she preaches when it comes to being a mother on social media.

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE as she helps Instagram launch its new Teen Accounts feature, the actress, 43, opens up about how she serves as a role model for her two teenage daughters by being mindful of what she posts online.

"I do believe, more than telling your kids what to do, is that leading by example is important," Alba says. "And nothing against thirst traps, but I'm not going to post a bunch of thirst traps as a mother of two girls and a boy, you know what I mean?"

"I think it's important to try and set as good of an example as possible and to have a variety [of things to post]. It doesn't only need to be one thing," continues the star. "And I think, for me, it's also just reflective of who I am. I'm not a one-dimensional person, and [it's about] being able to show that."

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Related: Jessica Alba's 3 Kids: All About Honor, Haven and Hayes

Currently, only Alba's oldest daughter, Honor, 16, is on social media. The Trigger Warning star is also a mom to other daughter Haven, 13, and son Hayes, 6, all of whom she shares with husband Cash Warren.

"Honor, I think she was about 12 or 13 when she was wanting to get on [social media], and I said [she could] if we shared an account, it needed to be private and I wanted to be able to monitor who she was following," the mother of three explains.

Noting that she has "no problem going in" and watching over her teen's social media usage, Alba continues, "When I see her following too many accounts that, to me, don't feel healthy or good for her, I'll unfollow them, and I'll follow, for example, more body positive influencers and funny, cute animals and things like that, just so her algorithm isn't [bad]."

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On the other hand, Alba's middle child Haven doesn't use social media like her big sister does, and the star tells PEOPLE there is a reason behind that decision.

"We have different rules for different kids," she explains. "It's interesting — you can parent the kids the same way, but the way that they respond is so different."

Adds Alba, "So Cash and I have realized that taking different tactics with each kid is what works best, instead of just treating them all the same."

Related: Jessica Alba Admits She Still Packs for All 3 Kids on Vacations: 'They Don't Pack the Right Stuff'

According to Alba, "Online and digital safety is first and foremost for me when it comes to being a parent" — which is why she is helping to launch Instagram's new Teen Accounts feature.

Described by the social media app as "a new experience for teens, guided by parents," Instagram Teen Accounts "have built-in protections which limit who can contact them and the content they see, and also provide new ways for teens to explore their interests." They also have time limit reminders and sensitive content restrictions, as well as a sleep mode.

"All parents, we all want our kids to have the best experience in life, and we know that our kids are digital natives and it's just part of who they are," Alba tells PEOPLE. "The exposure that they have day in and day out in the digital world is something that is undeniable, and I think we as parents, we just want to make sure that our kids have the best experience — and the most appropriate experience — for every stage and age."

"I think this new program and the way that Instagram is rolling them out is awesome," adds the star. "All of these features are really a backup for parents to give them some peace of mind."

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