Story perspectives

Julia Roberts: Daughter Ditches Phones for Real Conversations

10/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Julia Roberts (actress) says Hazel Moder gave up smartphones after watching Stand by Me (1986).
In promoting After the Hunt, Roberts recounted Hazel's realization that constant phone use hinders conversations.
Hazel Moder said boys in Stand by Me would not have connected if they had phones.
Roberts stressed face-to-face communication and noted strict screen-time rules, including no dinner phones.
She expressed concern about smartphones' effects on children's developing brains.

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Story summary

Julia Roberts (actress) says Hazel Moder gave up smartphones after watching Stand by Me (1986).
In promoting After the Hunt, Roberts recounted Hazel's realization that constant phone use hinders conversations.
Hazel Moder said boys in Stand by Me would not have connected if they had phones.
Roberts stressed face-to-face communication and noted strict screen-time rules, including no dinner phones.
She expressed concern about smartphones' effects on children's developing brains.