The use of screens and digital technologies by children and adolescents remains a current topic. Concerns focus largely on the possible consequences of accessing content that is not suitable for age , but there are also other important impacts on health and neurodevelopment . Scientific evidence has accumulated, particularly during the last decade. Also, in their professional activity, pediatricians are increasingly faced with the effects of technology on the children they care for. For parents, cell phones, tablets, consoles and similar equipment are a simple and easily accessible way to distract and entertain children. It is hard to resist, especially because they are portable. There are few children who are not attracted to interact with that equipment: images, movement, color, sounds and so intuitive. We are always amazed with the ease with which some young children enjoy technological devices by themselves. The long-term effects of the technological revolution on the evolution of human society are not known. What we already know is that the repeated use of this kind of equipment, especially at very young ages, leads to an unhealthy alienation of children. They interact less with everything around them; this has a huge impact on their discovery and curiosity and their development could be compromised. There are multiple harmful effects described , for example in: Motor development, including fine motor skills; Language development and vocabulary knowledge; Attention and concentration; The ability to manage adversities; Adapting to traditional teaching and school materials; Social behavior; Vision; Sleep; Mental health. Like several international scientific societies, the Sociedade Portuguesa de Neuropediatria provides guidance on the use of screens and digital technologies in pediatrics. The latest recommendations were published recently – in September 2024. The full version, in Portuguese, is available online . Briefly At any pediatric age, screen use should be limited and controlled by adults with regard to content . Usage time : Up to 3 years of age : avoid 4 to 6 years : limit to 30 minutes per day 7 to 11 years old : limit to 1 hour per day 12 to 15 years old : limit to 2 hours per day Social networks : use after the age of 16, as referred in national legislation Do not use technological equipment : at meals, during family gatherings, to overcome tantrums or other difficulties, before bed, at school. Of course, not everything is bad. The correct use of technology can have an irreplaceable role, for example in children and adolescents with chronic or degenerative diseases , “saving souls” that some years ago would have an end earlier than life itself. A case of this is documented in Benjamin Ree's The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (2024). As with everything in life, moderation and common sense are required from those responsible for caring for children. Author: João Miguel Nascimento Meet the pediatrics clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
