Victoria Hamilton Voices Major Parenting Concern Over Social Media Impact
Victoria Hamilton, renowned for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in Netflix's The Crown, has openly shared her profound worries about social media, particularly as a parent. The 54-year-old actress, who is mother to two teenage boys with her husband Mark Bazeley, expressed these concerns while promoting her new role in Channel 5's thriller series The Teacher.
Parental Anxieties in the Digital Age
In a candid interview, Hamilton highlighted how constant access to social media deprives young people of the essential space to process their emotions. She reflected on her own childhood, where experiences at school were typically processed at home or in private, contrasting sharply with today's always-connected environment. "I don't think you can be a parent now and not worry about social media," she stated, emphasizing the lack of processing time for modern youth due to ubiquitous smartphone use.
Hamilton recounted shocking her younger co-stars by revealing she avoids social media altogether, citing its detrimental effects on mental health. She pointed out the addictive nature of seeking affirmation through likes and the disproportionate impact of negative comments, which can linger for weeks. "If you're my age, you're more aware that there is a choice to engage or not," she noted, suggesting that teenagers, having grown up with this technology, often feel they have no alternative.
Navigating Generational Divides in The Teacher
In The Teacher, Hamilton plays Helen Simpson, a drama tutor at a private school who clashes with students whose views are perceived as "woke." The series, filmed in Spain, explores themes of historical revisionism and the challenges of teaching classics like Shakespeare in a modern context. Hamilton described the show as timely, especially amid political debates around "wokeness," and acknowledged seeing both sides of the argument.
She explained that Helen's initial refusal to adapt her teaching methods leads to conflict, but Hamilton believes a more curious approach could foster dialogue. "I think if she had only had patience to go with that and approach that with more curiosity... their ability to learn from each other just stops," she remarked, highlighting the defensive reactions that hinder mutual understanding.
Broader Implications for Society
Hamilton's insights extend beyond entertainment, touching on broader societal issues. She warned that without intentional disconnection, young people risk emotional overload and reduced resilience. Her comments resonate with ongoing discussions about digital wellness and educational reform, urging a balance between tradition and progress in classrooms.
As The Teacher airs on Channel 5, Hamilton's dual perspective as a concerned parent and actress adds depth to the narrative, encouraging viewers to reflect on these pressing topics in an increasingly digital world.
