Elon Musk's Ex Reveals Why They Let Their Children Watch Studio Ghibli During Screen Time

Elon Musk's former partner, musician Grimes, has offered a glimpse into how the high-profile parents navigate media exposure with the kids. The Canadian singer, who shares three young children with the Tesla and SpaceX founder, revealed why she allows them to watch Studio Ghibli films during screen time.

Her remarks have fuelled a broader conversation about how children's activities influences behaviour, attention spans, and emotional development. While many parents grow wary of fast-paced, chaotic cartoons designed to maximise stimulation, there is a noticeable shift towards slower and more contemplative animation.

Works like those from Studio Ghibli are gaining recognition as a soothing alternative that could foster more peaceful viewing experiences and enhance emotional health.

Grimes Speaks About Her Kids' Screen Time

Grimes responded to a question on X about whether she allows screen time for her three children with Musk, including sons X Æ A-Xii (5) and Techno Mechanicus (3), and daughter Exa Dark Sideræl (4). She described screen time as 'a huge debate' with Musk, adding: 'If it happens we focus on great art and ideally slower stuff like Ghibli that isn't constantly changing context.'

This comment, while brief, suggests a conscious preference for media that offers sustained, reflective engagement rather than rapid visual shifts. This is a difference that resonates with emerging research into how various screen content may influence young minds.

Where fast-paced cartoons and action-oriented videos push constant attention shifts and sensory stimulation, slower narratives with rich imagery and emotional depth may offer a calmer viewing experience.

Are Studio Ghibli Films Better for Kids?

Studio Ghibli is the acclaimed Japanese animation studio behind films like My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Spirited Away (2001), and Ponyo (2008). It is known for its evocative storytelling, gentle pacing, and emphasis on natural beauty and humanity. These qualities underpin why some parents, including Grimes, see it as preferable for children's screen time.

A research published by Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) supports this perspective. A study involving 518 participants found that watching Studio Ghibli films was associated with increased feelings of calm, purpose and overall life satisfaction. Participants who viewed a Ghibli film, or combined it with reflective gameplay, reported noticeable improvements in mood compared with those who did not engage with such media.

Experts suggest the narratives' emotional richness and tranquil visual rhythm can deepen a sense of curiosity and peace.

Another analysis highlights that these films can help viewers 'navigate stress and sadness by deepening their sense of curiosity, peace, and life purpose.' This suggests that content with reflective themes can support emotional well-being.

In contrast, mainstream chaotic cartoons often prioritise rapid scene changes, exaggerated action, and sensory overload. These qualities may entertain but do not necessarily cultivate sustained attention or emotional regulation in young viewers.

How Artistic Media Supports Child Development

Parents concerned about screen time often weigh not only duration but the quality of what their children watch. Arts-oriented films like those from Studio Ghibli offer several potential advantages:

• Slower pace and more narrative depth — These films encourage sustained attention and reflection, rather than quick sensory changes that characterise many children's cartoons.
• Emotional resonance — Ghibli films frequently explore themes of compassion, resilience, and environmental wonder, providing emotional lessons beyond entertainment.
• Calming aesthetics — Research suggests that the artistic and musical elements common in Studio Ghibli productions can foster tranquillity, helping viewers unwind and process feelings.

For parents such as Grimes, these qualities are significant. Selecting screen content that aids in emotional regulation and fosters creative thinking can be an integral aspect of a thoughtful parenting approach, especially for young children who are in the process of developing their cognitive and social abilities.

Balancing Screen Time in a Digital Age

In today's fast-paced digital environment, making careful decisions about children's viewing habits can significantly impact their current emotions and future growth.

Experts highlight the importance of moderation. Even the most valuable media should enhance — not replace — active play, social interaction, reading, and rest. When screen time does occur, concentrating on content that encourages curiosity and peace might assist children in connecting more deeply with what they are watching.

Grimes' preference for artful animation like Studio Ghibli reflects her personal values. It also echoes the broader conversation about how families can navigate screen time in an era where visual media are everywhere and constantly evolving.