Portuguese doctors warn of screen time risks for toddlers and allergy solutions

Two leading doctors in Portugal have spoken out about key issues affecting young children today. Family physician Margarida Graça Santos and paediatrician Hugo Rodrigues addressed common parental worries, from screen time to allergy prevention. Their advice comes as new data reveals how digital habits have changed dramatically over the past 50 years.

Hugo Rodrigues warned that exposing infants to screens carries risks often overlooked by parents. He compared the current normalisation of screen time to past attitudes toward alcohol consumption, where harmful effects were once ignored. National surveys, including those by the Portuguese Pediatric Society, show daily screen use among toddlers has jumped from almost zero in the 1970s to over 70% today. Urban areas like Lisbon report even higher rates—80-90%—compared to 50-60% in rural regions, placing Portugal above the EU average.

Rodrigues stressed that parents should lead by example, cutting back on their own screen use around children. He also highlighted the role of early nutrition in preventing allergies. Introducing powdered nuts or eggs to babies, he explained, could reduce the risk of future allergic reactions.

Both doctors emphasised the importance of reliable information for parents making decisions. Rodrigues noted that many concerns stem from outdated advice or misconceptions, urging families to seek guidance from trusted medical sources.

The warnings come as Portugal's early smartphone introduction rates exceed those in Nordic countries, where stricter limits are common. With urban screen exposure nearing 90%, experts say small changes in family habits could have long-term benefits. Rodrigues' advice on allergies and screen time aims to help parents navigate the challenges of raising young children today.