Kelly Stafford is no stranger to online criticism, even from the friends of her 7-year-old twin daughters.
In an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly, Kelly shared that she’s reaching a breaking point regarding social media and her girls. Kelly and her husband, Matthew Stafford, quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, have four daughters: 7-year-old twins Sawyer and Chander, 6-year-old Hunter, and 4-year-old Tyler.
“I always said that when they learn what Instagram is, that’s when I’ll have to make a change,” Kelly explained. “And my older ones know about it.” She revealed that her daughters have come to her asking, “Mom, how do people know we were sick?”
Last month, Kelly posted multiple health updates about her daughters on Instagram, including a trip to the emergency room after a flu outbreak affected the family.
“Pretty soon, there will be a conversation about whether or not we continue sharing them on social media,” Kelly said. “Ultimately, we want them to be able to manage what’s out there. They’re getting old enough now where their friends have Instagram and follow me, which I really need to think about moving forward.”
Kelly mentioned that she and Matthew have discussed giving their daughters “the phones we had, just with numbers and no internet access.”
“Our generation grew up in a unique time when social media started,” Kelly noted. “But the generation before us had to navigate it for their kids. They didn’t understand the pros and cons as we do. Our generation, however, knows the risks and dangers.”
Despite understanding the risks, Kelly admitted that she still faces online negativity from strangers.
“Social media can be useful, especially for the work I do, and unfortunately, I rely on it,” Kelly, who hosts “The Morning After” podcast, told Us Weekly. “But I’m human. Mean comments still hurt my feelings. I have feelings, and I won’t pretend otherwise.”
She added, “I’ve tried to build thick skin and stay true to my values despite what others say about me. I care about the opinions of those close to me and try to remind myself of that.”
Ultimately, Kelly admitted she worries about her daughters and their relationship with social media.
“It’s a whole new ballgame,” she said. “I pray social media changes before they get old enough for it, although I know it likely won’t.”
Kelly continued, “Honestly, it’s terrifying. Even as an adult, my self-confidence is impacted by strangers’ comments. I can only imagine how a teenage girl would cope with that while maintaining her confidence. I worry deeply about my daughters.”