How to protect your kids from the harms of technology

What is it?

Technology and devices use have become a big part of our daily life. Although they can be really useful tools, we have to be aware of the risks that they can bring, especially for kids and adolescents. Being aware is important, but it is as important to find ways to protect them.

Why would I need it?

Why screens create addiction?

Screens and apps are made to be addictive they want your child to stay on for a long time.

Why is it even more dangerous for kids?

As the kids’ brain is still developing, they don't have the capacity to control themselves so they are more vulnerable to the addiction.

Why too much screen time could be a problem?

Too much dopamine - video, games, social media give pleasure to the brain quickly; it can make other activities “boring” (reading, playing with friends, being creative)
Too much information - Kids compare themselves with others online 🡪 this can cause stress and anxiety
Losing time for other things - more time on the screen = less time for playing, moving, using creativity, sleeping, and spending time with family and friends
Research shows a rise in anxiety, loneliness, and even depression in children and teens who use screens too much

Signs that your kid is using too much screen

They don’t sleep enough
They don’t move their body much
They skip meals
They’re falling behind in school
They don’t want to join family time
They don’t have real-life friends
They lost Interest in hobbies or activities
They seem anxious, moody or lonely

Community Tips and Learning

Easy tips for parents

Connect every day: even just 10-15 minutes of full attention to your child
Help them create schedules: include fun, rest, homeworks, family and less technology
Work and play together: even if you don’t have a lot of time to connect with your child, you could take advantage for example of the cooking or cleaning time to include them and do it together, making it fun
Don’t be afraid to say no, explaining the reasons

Free or low-cost mental health support in Portugal

SNS Psychological support Line: 808 24 24 24, Then you must select option 4 (psychological counselling). Available 24/7, in Portuguese/English- you can ask for help with translation, ask your medico de familia for a referral to a psychologist
Lisbon Project – Care Team: Emotional Support for refugees and migrants lisbonproject.org/get-support
SOS Voz Amiga: (free helpline service, from 15h30 till 00h30) 213 544 545 > “Call to national fixed network” 912802 669 – 963 524 660 “Call to national mobile network”

Uniao de Mulhares Alternativa e Resposta (UMAR): Support for woman umarfeminismos.org

Where we are

Rua Carvalho Araújo 66-B
1900-140 Lisboa
Portugal

How to Get Here

Metro: Linha Verde (Green Line) - Alameda Station
Bus: 708, 730, 742, 794

Opening hours

Mon, Tue, Thu: 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30
Wednesday (Extended): Until 19:30
Friday: Until 18:30

No appointment needed. Just walk in.

Contact info

+351 964 809 959