How the Spider-Man actor can inspire your kids back to school

So as children face the mix of stress and excitement in heading back to school -- and those good habits need to be instilled -- we thought we'd share how the popular actor coped with social media when it was all getting to be too much.

In fact, it was during a summer a couple of years ago that Holland made his bold decision: He stepped away from Instagram to protect his mental health.

Now this is a very rare move for someone with his celebrity, but his example offers a timely lesson for our own kids about the pressures of social media and the importance of real-life balance.

Throughout his life Holland has juggled fame and normalcy. He began as a child dancer, starred in Billy Elliot the Musical, and won hearts worldwide when he debuted as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War (2016) and later headlined Spider-Man: Homecoming and No Way Home.

Fans love him not only for swinging through skyscrapers, but for being genuinely kind, humble, and funny in interviews. Indeed, many see him as a refreshing example of a modern young man: one who can crack jokes but also talk about his feelings.

And as a parent, you may notice Holland is happy to show weakness and is genuinely interested in helping others. He even co-founded a charity with his family, the Brothers Trust, to support children’s causes. All of this makes him a rather wonderful superhero for impressionable kids.

When Holland surprised fans by announcing he had deleted Instagram, he explained that scrolling had become “very, very overwhelming.” , he candidly said, “I have taken a break from social media for my mental health because I find Instagram and Twitter to be overstimulating…” as shared in LA Times.

He found himself stuck staring at the screen during breaks on set, feeling anxious and “addicted to this kind of false version of my life." “As he admitted during an appearance on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, I was just obsessed with it. "I was obsessed to find out what people were saying.” In other words, like many teens, he felt trapped in a cycle of scrolling and comparing.

Holland chose to hit pause. He said:

Rather than treating his step-away as a failure, Holland framed it as a triumph: a brave boundary he set for himself. He stressed that needing a break wasn’t a “mental breakdown,” but a normal step to stay healthy. (He even pointed out that sensational headlines had unfairly painted him as “having a nervous breakdown in New York” – a stigma he wanted to change.) In short, Holland modeled that it’s okay to say no to the pressures of the spotlight.

For middle school and high school students heading back to class, this is a real message: if your favorite actor can unplug, you can too. Kids might be surprised to hear a star admit, “I was so addicted,” and that it took courage to step back. Holland’s honesty tells them that they’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by likes, comments, and the endless scroll.

It also provides parents with a chance to remind children that mental health matters more than social status. As Holland put it, “asking for help and seeking help isn’t something that we should be ashamed of." His words can open up a conversation: We all need help sometimes, and taking care of our hearts and minds is a smart, not a weak, thing to do.

Holland’s story offers concrete inspiration for the new school year. Use it to spark discussion and practical changes at home. For example:

Explain that social media often shows only the fun moments – a false version of life. Holland said he realized Instagram was giving him a “false version” of himself. Encourage your children to think critically: if a celebrity or friend posts a happy photo, what might be going on behind the scenes?

This helps kids value their own real life, not just appearances. You might relate it to faith by saying we are each created in God’s image – a truth that no number of likes can change.

Holland’s choice is a reminder that breaks are good. As a family, you could plan regular unplugged times: tech-free meals, quiet evenings, or even a weekly “social media Sabbath.” This mirrors how the traditions of the Catholic faith value rest and reflection (think of Jesus slipping away to pray or the commandment to observe the Sabbath).

Let your children help decide these limits so they feel ownership. Even small changes -- like turning phones off 30 minutes before bedtime -- can reduce anxiety and improve sleep, as Holland’s example shows.

Spider-Man often struggled with responsibilities -- balancing school, family, and saving lives. Similarly, students juggle classes, sports, and friendships (online and off). Keep communication open: ask your teen or tween, “What worries you about school this year?”

Be ready to listen without judgment. Use Holland’s quotes: he admitted being “obsessed” with what others thought, and that he used to “spiral” reading comments. This can help your child feel seen. Affirm that, like Holland, they can overcome these habits by focusing on what’s truly important (faith, family, friends).

Finally, remember to pray together and individually for wisdom. Share a simple back-to-school prayer, such as asking for courage to stay true to oneself and to be kind. Holland’s experience highlights a deep truth found in faith: our worth comes not from social media, but from being beloved children of God.

You might quietly remind your kids (or pray as a family) with words like, “Lord, help us remember that You made us wonderfully; help us not chase after every notification, but rest in Your love.” Reinforce that strength comes from community and God, not from perfect Instagram posts.

Each of these steps reflects a small, faith-filled action you can take as parents. By encouraging kids to unplug occasionally, to seek help, and to value themselves beyond likes, you’re teaching them resilience. Holland himself encourages this openly – he reminds people that everyone deserves help and that stigma around mental health should be broken. In the context of faith, this connects with the idea that God cares for our struggles and gives us the grace to set healthy limits.

As classrooms open and routines resume, Holland’s message is clear and simple: even beloved heroes need rest and help. His honesty can inspire our children to be courageous about their own well-being. It’s a practical, timely reminder that we, as parents and guardians, can guide our kids by listening, setting example, and praying with them.

After all, Spider-Man’s motto “with great power comes great responsibility” applies to us too -- we have the responsibility to protect our children from burnout and to help them grow in spirit and character.