Study Advises Limiting Children's Use Of Mobile Phones

[Kris Kumar]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/0,10801,98880,00.html' target='_blank'>http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/0,10801,98880,00.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Children may be more vulnerable than adults to the potential health risks of using mobile phones, according to a U.K. study released Tuesday, which urged that nonessential phone use by children be discouraged. Though no conclusive evidence currently exists that mobile phones are harmful, a cautious approach of risk management, especially in relation to children, should be taken by the government, according to the study, published by the U.K.'s National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Jan05-Elmo-Kid-Phone.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><i>Figure: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=smartphonetho-20&amp;path=tg%2Fdetail%2F-%2FB00006HBTD%2Fqid%3D1105622531%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fref%3Dpd_csp_1%3Fv%3Dglance%26s%3Dtoys%26n%3D507846">Elmo Cell Phone</a> from Fisher-Price [Affiliate] :lol: </i><br /><br />I am not sure about the health risks associated with using cell phones. But I am sure about one thing, kids should not be exposed to the mental trauma associated with the <i>"your smartphone is better than mine"</i> syndrome. :-) What are your thoughts?

[Jerry Raia]

That must be a Samsung phone :lol:

[chucky.egg]

I've often wondered why parents give really young kids mobiles. My guess was that it was sort of "remote parenting", really more for the parents peace of mind than for the childs actual safety.

I have a young son now, and he already has several "old" phones (minus SIM card and battery power of course!)

When Jnr is old enough to go to secondary school (12+) he'll probably have a phone, but I can't see me getting him one before then. Not because of any health concerns, just because I want to be there for him when he needs me, I don't want to be on the end of a phonecall when he needs me.

[Kris Kumar]

Not because of any health concerns, just because I want to be there for him when he needs me, I don't want to be on the end of a phonecall when he needs me.

Well put. :-)

You definitely don't want to be in a "Son, Can you hear me now?" situation.

[Mike Temporale]

I have a young son now, and he already has several "old" phones (minus SIM card and battery power of course!)

Ya, my kids just love to play with phones, but it will be a long time before they get a working one!