Between 6 and 10 years, Portuguese children are 3h21m a day in front of a screen – it should be almost half.
The Portuguese Society of Pediatrics considers that the safe limits of exhibitions a Screen, For children, they are: from 2 to 5 years The maximum would be 1h a dayalways with supervision; of the 6 to 10 yearsuntil 2h/he.
But that’s not what is happening in Portugal: From 3 to 5 years, children pass on average 2h34 a day in front of a screen; from 6 to 10 years the average increases to 3h21 a day.
Saluslive warns that most Portuguese children already exceeds the limits considered safe.
The company focused on pediatric intervention stresses that there are several problems Associated with this exaggerated exposure: anxiety, depression, attention deficit and risk of digital dependence.
A social level, Relationships, also usually originates isolation, communication difficulties and less capacity for empathy and cooperation.
And also: promotes physical inactivity, obesity, sleep disorders, vision and posture problems.
“5 or 10 years from now…”
As consequences From the time passed in front of the screen are even more visible when this time replaces play, family life and proper sleep.
“We are watching the growth of a less sociable generation with greater emotional difficulties. If nothing changes, in 5 or 10 years we will see young people with more mental health problems, less school and professional adaptation and chronic physical diseases associated with physical inactivity and misuse of technology, ”warns Raquel Cunha, clinical director of Saluslive.
“We are talking about young people less prepared To cooperate, lead, manage frustrations or resolve conflicts. In the medium term, this will have not only individual but also social and economic reflexes, ”adds Raquel Cunha.
Sequelae for ages
In a statement sent to ZAP, Saluslive underlines the sequelae in several more vulnerable phases.
0–2 years: The use of screens can seriously impair language, affective bond and sleep – which is why it is totally advised against.
2–5 years: It affects attention, emotional self -regulation and replaces fundamental games.
6–10 years: It interferes with learning, sleep and social relations.
Over 11 years: Increases the risk of anxiety, depression and digital dependence, especially for intensive use of social networks.
Suggestions
Os pais They should create zones without screening at home, negotiate rules together and propose offline alternatives – between board games, outdoor activities, or shared reading.
As schools They should create rules to limit the use of mobile phones at intervals, ensuring that this time is dedicated to socialization, movement and digital rest.
