Tia Stokes Addresses Her 'Controversial' Decision to Not Allow Her Kids Phones, Despite Them Having Social Media (Exclusive)

Tia Stokes initially went viral by spreading positivity while undergoing chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but she's retained her social media following by sharing broader content about her life

NEED TO KNOW

• She regularly tells her followers — which total at over 1 million on Instagram and 2.6 million on TikTok — about her life as a parent, including her rule about not allowing her five kids to have cell phones

• Stokes, 40, tells PEOPLE that she made the decision to protect their childhoods, but she acknowledges that it was a fairly "controversial" decision since they already have their own social media pages

Tia Stokesis a cancer survivor, a dancer, a content creator and an overall advocate for hope and positivity, but most importantly, she's a mom. And just as she does in her many other roles, Stokes does parenting her own way.

The mother of fiveinitially went viralwhile undergoing chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite the toll it took on her body, she danced every day of her treatment. The ritual earned Stokes, 40, a following of over 1 millionInstagramfollowers and 2.6 million onTikTok.

Today, she's five years into remission and officially considered an AML survivor, and her social media presence has evolved to focus on broader lifestyle content in addition to her recovery. Stokes regularly posts about raising her children, whose ages range between 6 and 17 years old, and she maintains one household rule that continues to pique viewers' interests:the kids don't have cell phones.

Stokes tells PEOPLE she knows it's perceived as somewhat of a "controversial" decision, especially since she's the first to acknowledge their lives are already heavily documented online. Plus, her children even have pages of their own, though Stokes says she runs their personal accounts, and her sons, who play competitive sports, appreciate having a place to post their highlight reels for future recruiting opportunities.

"They all have little platforms. They're not heavily growing — we're not trying to grow them, if that makes sense," says Stokes of her kids' social media activity. "But when I post family stuff, I'll just collaborate [with their accounts] on the picture. So then as they get older, if they want it later, they can have it. If they want to use it as a resume."

Ultimately, she and her husband, Andy, chose not to give their kids phones to preserve what they see as the most precious part of childhood. "You only get the gift of just living radical freedom like this for 18 years, really," Stokes notes.

Adults are often burdened by the pressure to respond to texts, calls and emails no matter where or what they are doing. Stokes makes the point that as a kid, there's simply less need to be reachable all the time. If the kids really want to contact someone, they are allowed to make calls and send texts using their parents' phones.

"It's not so much as our kids having access to the world, but the world having access to our kids," she says. "We've explained this to our kids, 'Trust me, bro, you're not going to get these moments back. As soon as we give you that phone, it's going to be colleges, it's going to be teachers, it's going to be a job, it's going to be friends.' I mean, us as adults, we're just consumed by people wanting something."

Stokes remembers that the kids did slightly push back when they were first told they weren't getting phones, and they cited the fact that all of their friends had devices of their own. "But literally now they don't even want a phone," Stokes says of her kids. "They don't even ask for it. They don't even care."

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Her eldest son, Major, is allotted 15 minutes per day to check his social media page, where he usually receives messages from his friends. But Stokes says that when she first started giving him phone access, he also became more critical of himself as an athlete. She noticed that after Major saw other kids' highlight reels online, he developed a tendency to compare that content to his own abilities.

"He was saying, 'Oh my gosh, so-and-so got this award. Why didn't I get invited? I've got to be as big as him. Oh, I've got to be as strong as him,'" Stokes says of the 17-year-old. "I saw that confidence start to shift, going down within his life and within just sports."

Finally, she told him she didn't think social media was the best thing for his mental health, and Major agreed. Stokes said her son had noticed the change, too.

Stokes says, "I finally told him, I said, 'Major, I think I'm not going to let you get on as much, buddy ... I think it's just a good idea just to be here. Just do your thing, focus onyoursports, focus on school.'"

She's regularly asked if she worries about her kids falling behind socially, but she says their lack of cell phones hasn't set the kids apart. "I mean, my kids are popular. I'm not trying to boast or anything like that. They're very well-liked, they're athletics, they're athletes, they are thriving where they're at," Stokes says.

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Her decision to restrict that screen time pays off when she gets messages from their teachers, who compliment the way Stokes' kids participate in class and make meaningful contributions to conversations. However, nothing feels as rewarding as when the kids notice the difference themselves.

"They go out with their friends, and everybody's on their phone," she says. "[My kids] are just sitting there like, 'Anybody want to talk to us?'"

Read the original article onPeople

byCosmopolite

in

April 24, 2026

Tia Stokes Addresses Her 'Controversial' Decision to Not Allow Her Kids Phones, Despite Them Having Social Media (Exclusive)

Tia Stokes initially went viral by spreading positivity while undergoing chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but she's r...

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CNN correspondent says goodbye after 2 decades with the network

Longtime CNN correspondent Stephanie Elam is leaving the network after two decades of covering news for the broadcast giant.

Elam, 52, officially announced her departure in an April 18statement shared by Variety.

"For more than 20 years I’ve been in the CNN orbit developing and delivering news stories on everything from the environment and entertainment to business and breaking news of all kinds," she said. "I’m so proud of my CNN career. Live or taped, writing packages or doing a show-and-tell, I’ve done it all — and having a front row seat to document history has been a gift."

She did not share any further information about her future plans.

Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon has been arrested on Jan. 29, 2026, days after being present at a protest inside a Minneapolis Church. Don Lemon (left) speaks with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), following a press conference alongside alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 3, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Don Lemon attends the 2022 CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Former CNN host Don Lemon arrested. See his career in photos

Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon hasbeen arrestedon Jan. 29, 2026, days after being present at a protest inside a Minneapolis Church. Don Lemon (left) speaks with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), following a press conference alongside alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 3, 2025.

Stephanie Elam's time with CNN

Elam began her career with CNN as a freelance anchor/reporter out of New York City in 2005, according to herpublic LinkedIn page, before becoming a business correspondent in 2007. She briefly left the network from 2011 to 2012 to work at KNBC, an NBC station based in Los Angeles, before returning to CNN in March 2013, still based in LA.

During her time at CNN, Elam covered a huge range of topics, according to her LinkedIn, from COVID-19, market crashes, tornadoes and volcanic eruptions to the Emmys, red carpet interviews and the deaths and lives of celebrities like Michael Jackson and Prince.

More news:'GMA Weekend' co-anchor posts 'goodbye' message amid sudden exit

Colleagues and CNN speak on Stephanie Elam's departure

In anInstagram post from April 18, co-host and friend Sara Sidner spoke highly of Elam in a clip, saying, "thank you for being my friend, for helping me through cancer and being a sister, really...CNN brought us together, but ain't nothing gonna tear us apart. Thank you for all your hard work."

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"You're not getting rid of me, I love you," Elam responded. "I love you guys...everyone there, I love you guys, and it's been a joy working with you all."

Another CNN colleague, Oscar Jimenez, commented on the post saying, "We’re losing a real one! Loved this moment on air. 🙏🏾"

In a statementshared with Variety, CNN said it was "grateful for her many contributions."

"Stephanie brought clarity, credibility, and heart to every story she touched over her two decades at CNN," the network told Variety. "Her versatility and natural ability to connect with audiences made her a trusted voice and a valued colleague."

Where Stephanie Elam got her start

Elam's career began at Dow Jones Newswires in 1995, where she served as a copy editor before moving to BridgeNews and reporting on corporate finances for PBS’s "Nightly Business Report," according to her LinkedIn.

She went on to anchor shows "Market on the Close" and "First Business" for Webfn, reporting on the stock market and business, eventually moving to Black Enterprise Magazine to co-anchor the "Black Enterprise Report," a nationally syndicated show about business, career and financial education.

She graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor's in broadcast journalism, her LinkedIn also shows.

Stephanie Elam's departure comes after another CNN personality's exit

Elam is the second CNN personality to depart the network in recent months. "Early Start" hostRahel Solomon announced her exit on-air in March, saying simply, "I have decided that this will be my last week at CNN. More to come on what's next for me...But I'm really excited about this next chapter."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:CNN correspondent Stephanie Elam announces departure from network

byCosmopolite

in

April 23, 2026

CNN correspondent says goodbye after 2 decades with the network

Longtime CNN correspondent Stephanie Elam is leaving the network after two decades of covering news for the broadcast giant. Elam...

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Patrick Muldoon Said He Was 'Excited' About Next Project in Final Instagram Post 2 Days Before His Sudden Death

Patrick Muldoon died suddenly on Sunday, April 19, after a heart attack

NEED TO KNOW

• The actor, 57, had recently been posting on Instagram about his excitement for an upcoming project

• Muldoon was best known for his roles on Days of Our Lives and Starship Troopers

Patrick Muldoonwas busy with work in the days before his sudden death.

TheDays of Our Livesstar died on Sunday, April 19, after a heart attack,Deadlinereported. He was 57.

Just two days earlier, Muldoon had shared aposton Instagram about a new project he had lined up, a crime thriller film calledKockroachstarringChris HemsworthandTaron Egerton.

"So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz and Alec Baldwin," Muldoon wrote in the caption of the post.

Muldoon was credited as an executive producer on the film, which he wrote is "filming now in Australia 🇦🇺."

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Muldoon's death also came days before the release of another project of his. He starred in a new thriller film,Dirty Hands, which is slated for a digital release on April 24.

The film sees Muldoon and Kevin Interdonato play brothers who get caught in a dangerous drug war, and it reunites Muldoon with hisStarship TrooperscostarDenise Richards, who plays his girlfriend in the new film, according to the outlet.

Muldoon rose to fame playing Austin Reed onDays of Our Livesfrom 1992 to 1995. He later reprised his role after a 16-year hiatus in 2011.

After his initial exit fromDaysin 1995, he went on to play the villainous Richard Hart in another iconic show,Melrose Place, for three seasons.

He also starred in three episodes ofSaved by the Bellin the early 1990s, as well as playing Zander Barcalow in the 1997 cult classicStarship Troopersalongside Richards,Casper Van Dien, Michael Ironside and Dina Meyer.

Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart, along with his parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr., his sister and brother-in-law Shana and Ahmet Zappa, his niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.

Read the original article onPeople

byCosmopolite

in

April 23, 2026

Patrick Muldoon Said He Was 'Excited' About Next Project in Final Instagram Post 2 Days Before His Sudden Death

Patrick Muldoon died suddenly on Sunday, April 19, after a heart attack NEED TO KNOW The actor, 57, had recently b...

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Madonna pleads for return of vintage outfit that disappeared at Coachella

Madonnais soliciting the public's help in locating a historic costume that went missing after her surprise performance duringCoachella Weekend 2.

Days after she returned to the Southern California music festival on April 17, 20 years after her Coachella debut, the 67-year-old Queen of Pop took to social media to offer a reward for the return of the vintage outfit she wore onstageduring Sabrina Carpenter's set.

"Still flying high since Friday night at Coachella! Thank you to Sabrina and everyone who made it possible. Bringing Confessions II back to where it began was such a thrill," she wrote in an April 20 Instagram story. "This full circle moment hit different until I discovered that the vintage pieces that I wore went missing – my costume that was pulled from my personal archives – jacket, corset, dress and all other garments."

"These aren’t just clothes, they are part of my history," her message continued. "Other archival items from the same era went missing as well. I’m hoping and praying that some kind soul will find these items and reach out to my team."

She provided an email address,Infomaverick2026@gmail.com, for those who might know the whereabouts of her belongings.

'A full circle moment':Madonna makes Coachella return with surprise Sabrina Carpenter duet

"I’m offering a reward for their safe return," Madonna wrote. "Thank you with all my heart."

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After Madonna made a dramatic, backlit entrance on Carpenter's stage, the two performed "Vogue," the yet-to-be-released "Bring Your Love" off her upcoming album "Confessions II" and "Like A Prayer."

In April 2006, Madonna performed songs off her 2005 "Confessions on the Dance Floor" album as she made her debut in the Sahara Tent.

Justin Bieber performs his headlining set on the Coachella Stage during Weekend 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 18, 2026, in Indio, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Billie Eilish is fangirling seen as Justin Bieber performs.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Billie Eilish embraces Justin Bieber after being pulled up to the stage for "One Less Lonely Girl."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sabrina Carpenter

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kacey Musgraves

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Juan Pablo Villamil of Morat

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lu’sa Sonza

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> BIA

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> PinkPantheress

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Davido

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sombr

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Alex G

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Taemin

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Central Cee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sabrina Carpenter

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sabrina Carpenter

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> DG and Sexyy Red

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sabrina Carpenter brings Madonna out onto the stage with her during her headlining set.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sabrina Carpenter

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Anyma

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Anyma

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Muse frontman Matt Bellamy after joining Anyma.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Swae Lee hits a beach ball back into the crowd while joining Anyma for his late-night set.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Turnstile

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Turnstile

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Holly Humberstone

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Romy Madley Croft of The xx

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Dijon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Teddy Swims

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Slayyyter

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Slayyyter

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> CMAT

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ethel Cain

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> GRiZ

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> French Montana, Hugel and Ty Dolla $ign

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sophia Laforteza, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae of KATSEYE.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Levity

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See Justin Bieber, Zendaya and more in best celeb photos of April

Justin Bieberperforms his headlining set on the Coachella Stage during Weekend 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 18, 2026, in Indio, California.

Madonna's bags 'may have fallen off a golf cart,' police say

In an April 20 statement to USA TODAY, the Indio Police Department confirmed Madonna's representative filed a missing property report the evening of Saturday, April 18.

"The items reported missing included clothing and jewelry, which were last seen on a golf cart at the Empire Polo Grounds on Saturday, April 18, 2026, shortly after 1:30 a.m.," the statement said. "Preliminary investigation indicates the two bags containing the items may have fallen off a golf cart operated by staff who were on their way to load the bags onto a bus. Upon arriving at the hotel shortly thereafter, the staff realized the bags were missing."

Police have found no evidence so far "to suggest the bags were intentionally stolen." Anyone "who may have located the bags" is asked to turn them in at 46800 Jackson Street in Indio or contact the police department at 760-391-4057.

Information can be provided anonymously to police over the phone as well as through Crime Stoppers, which can be reached at 76-341-STOP (7867).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Madonna offers reward for vintage Coachella outfit that disappeared

byCosmopolite

in

April 23, 2026

Madonna pleads for return of vintage outfit that disappeared at Coachella

Madonnais soliciting the public's help in locating a historic costume that went missing after her surprise performance duringCoache...

Read More