Ryan Michelle Bathé has recently shared her views on the sensitive topic of posting their children on social media, following comments made by her husband, Sterling K. Brown. The couple, married since 2006, are proud parents to two sons, Amaré, aged 10, and 14-year-old Andrew. Bathé expressed her thoughts during the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards while reflecting on her husband’s perspective.
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In an episode of the podcast “Armchair Expert” hosted by Dax Shepard, Brown discussed the implications of sharing images of their children online. Bathé conveyed her admiration for her husband’s insights, noting, “When he said that, I was like, ‘Wow, that’s really smart.’ I go back and forth with the social media of it all.” She acknowledged that social media presents unique challenges, particularly when considering the safety of their sons in a bustling city like Los Angeles.
Brown’s commentary included the idea that, due to the nature of the city, people might recognize their children or treat them differently based on their visibility online. Bathé resonated with this notion, emphasising the importance of being cautious and recognising the vulnerabilities that come with being a Black parent. She remarked, “There are no guarantees… we are scraping for any little thing we can to protect our children.”
Bathé focuses on instilling essential values in her sons as they navigate their youth. She highlighted the importance of honouring and protecting Black women, stating, “If you don’t do anything else, make sure you honour and protect the Black women around you.” She encourages her sons to be allies, friends, and supporters to Black girls, underscoring the need for solidarity and advocacy.
Brown’s approach to parenting extends further, illustrated during a past podcast episode where he articulated his reasoning for keeping his daughters—Lincoln and Delta—off social media. He referred to safety as his primary concern, emphasising the desire to give his children the freedom to grow up away from public scrutiny and the chance to learn from their mistakes without the added pressure of an online audience.
He further shared his apprehensions about the public recognition that comes with being part of a celebrity family. He said, “The more I put them on social, the safer they are,” pointing out the advantages of having public visibility in a world where proximity to status could potentially offer protection.
In relation to their own experiences, Bathé and Brown have adopted a no-photography policy when spending time together as a family. Brown explained that this approach ensures his children enjoy a sense of normalcy. He stressed, “They deserve to have a regular night out. It’s their time.”
As they strive to protect their children’s childhood from the prying eyes of social media, both Bathé and Brown recognise the broader societal responsibilities they carry as parents, especially within the context of raising Black boys in an often challenging environment. They are committed to finding a balance between sharing their lives and safeguarding their children’s privacy.
In the age of social media, the conversations around children’s visibility continue to grow increasingly intricate. The couple demonstrates a thoughtful, nuanced understanding of the implications of their choices on their family’s wellbeing.
Ultimately, Bathé’s and Brown’s perspectives shed light on the importance of mindful parenting and the various ways in which parents can navigate the modern landscape of fame and privacy, aiming to offer their children the best chance at a safe and fulfilling childhood.