Drew Barrymore is getting real about parenting. The actress and talk show host, 49, penned an essay shared Friday on Instagram about raising her two daughters, writing that she has "never wanted to be more protective of kids in general." 

In the "very vulnerable" post, Barrymore looked back on her own "unorthodox" experience of being "so out there in the world and going to adult environments" when she was growing up. The "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" star also reflected on her decision to pose for Playboy magazine in 1995. 

"When I did a chaste artistic moment in Playboy in my early 20s, I thought it would be a magazine that was unlikely to resurface because it was paper. I never knew there would be an internet. I didn't know so many things," she wrote.

Barrymore recalled being exposed to "plenty of hedonistic scenarios" at parties that caused her "tremendous shame" during her youth.

"We, as kids, are not meant to see these images," she wrote.

Barrymore shares two daughters, ages 10 and 12, with her ex-husband Will Kopelman. In her post, she connected her experience of not having enough "guardrails" as a kid to her feeling that there are not enough guardrails to protect children today in the age of smartphones and social media.

Noting that she had "too much access and excess" at a young age, she said this has made her uniquely suited to understand "what young girls need."

"Kids are not supposed to be exposed to this much," Barrymore said. "Kids are supposed to be protected. Kids are supposed to hear NO. But we are living in an à la carte system as caretakers, in a modern, fast-moving world where tiny little computers are in every adult's hands, modeling that it is OK to be attached to a device that is a portal to literally everything. How did we get here?"

Barrymore went on to reveal that she felt pressured to get her daughter a phone for her 11th birthday, but she only allowed her to use it for a limited amount of time with no access to social media. After three months, Barrymore was "shocked" to find her daughter's "life depended" on the device, and she concluded that she is "not ready" to allow her kids to have a phone.

"I am going to become the parent I needed," she vowed. "The adult I needed."

Barrymore rose to fame after starring in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" as a child. She was emancipated at the age of 14, she said. She touched on her mother in the essay, writing that her mom was "lambasted for allowing me to get so out of control" but that she has "so much empathy for her now, because I am a mother," and "none of us is perfect."

The "Never Been Kissed" star previously mentioned her Playboy cover on her talk show earlier this year, revealing that her daughter Olive sometimes brings it up to win arguments. "My daughter wants to wear a crop top. I'll say no and she'll go, 'You were on the cover of Playboy,'" Barrymore said during a conversation with Christina Aguilera.

Still, while Barrymore seems to have some regrets about this photoshoot, she wrote in her Instagram post, "Since there isn't a time machine to go back and redo anything, I will keep loving my journey." 

The Impact of Technology on Parenting

Barrymore's essay has sparked a conversation about the role of technology in parenting. Many parents are struggling with how to balance their children's need for connection with the potential dangers of the internet. Barrymore's story is a reminder that parents are not alone in their struggles and that there are no easy answers. 

The Importance of Setting Limits

Barrymore's decision to limit her daughter's phone use is a bold step. It shows that she is willing to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means going against the norm. 

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it's important for parents to be proactive in setting limits. This may mean limiting screen time, choosing age-appropriate apps, or having open conversations with children about online safety. 

The Need for a Support System

Parenting is a challenging job, and it's important for parents to have a support system. This could include friends, family, or a therapist. Sharing your struggles and seeking advice from others can help you feel less alone and more empowered to make decisions that are best for your family. 

A Message of Hope

Despite the challenges of parenting in the digital age, Barrymore's story offers a message of hope. It shows that it's possible to navigate the complexities of technology and raise children who are grounded, resilient, and connected to the real world.

Finding a Balance

Barrymore's story reminds us that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Every family is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. The key is to find a balance that works for you and your children.

A Call to Action

Barrymore's essay is a call to action for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to create a safer and more balanced digital world for children. 

The Future of Technology and Parenting

The conversation about technology and parenting is likely to continue for years to come. As new technologies emerge, parents will need to be vigilant in protecting their children. But with open communication, healthy boundaries, and a commitment to creating a balanced digital world, it is possible to raise children who are both tech-savvy and well-rounded individuals.

A Time for Change

Drew Barrymore's honest and heartfelt essay is a powerful reminder that we need to be more thoughtful about how we are raising our children in the digital age. It is a time for change, and it is time for us to work together to create a better future for our children.