Hugh Jackman and his kids, Oscar and Ava
Humberto Carreno/Startraks
Jackman, 42, says he got the idea from a friend and implemented it for his kids Oscar, 11, and Ava, 6.
"A buddy of mine has a rule that I installed: No screens during the week. No TV, or computer, or anything like that," says the actor.
For Jackman, who stars as a reluctant father and washed-up boxer in the movie Real Steel, opening Oct. 7, the screen ban is less about avoiding the pitfalls of the media age then giving his kids a little downtime.
"Kids nowadays have very little time," says Jackman. "They seem to be at school longer than ever. They have all sorts of after school activities. By the time you have eaten and showered and dressed, it is over. So there is not much time for it anyway."
Of course the no-screens rule has its drawback for the video game-loving dad.
"I love to play Wii Tennis," says Jackman. "So I'll say to my son, 'Hey, lets go play on the Wii.' And he goes, 'Dad, it's a beautiful day! Let's go outside!' "
