Zoe Saldaña gets candid about raising sons in today’s social climate

Zoe Saldaña has reflected on the complexities of parenting in a rapidly changing world, sharing candid insights into raising her three sons.

The Avatar star spoke at the 2026 Time 100 Gala, where she discussed the unique challenges of guiding young boys amid what she described as an increasingly overwhelming social landscape.

“There’s so much noise out there, and that noise is very pervasive and very persuasive,” Saldaña said in an interview, highlighting the pressures children face today.

The actress, who shares three sons with her partner Marco Perego, explained that one of her biggest concerns is preserving their emotional sensitivity while preparing them to navigate the world.

“It’s challenging to protect boys from that noise and keep their little hearts gentle and soft,” she said, adding that she also focuses on ensuring “their minds [remain] resilient.”

Saldaña further emphasized the added responsibility she feels as a mother raising “sons of immigrants” and “men of color,” noting that identity and representation play a key role in her parenting approach.

While she takes pride in her family’s heritage, the actress said her ultimate goal is to raise compassionate and grounded individuals.

“At the end of the day, I just want them to be absolute human beings,” she shared.

The Guardians of the Galaxy actress also offered a nuanced perspective on masculinity, describing men as “delicate flowers” who are both resilient and deeply sensitive.

“I’m literally just preserving that for them,” she added.

Saldaña’s remarks come as she continues to receive widespread recognition, including being named among the Time 100 Most Influential People of 2026.