There has been a lot of talk about cell phones lately: From the safety of using them while driving a car to the potential health risks they may cause. And now with more and more kids having cell phones, we need to take a harder look at exactly what is coming out the research on cell phone usage and how it affects our children’s health in addition to our own.
It is estimated that up to one third of U.S. kids have cell phones. Gone are the days of cell phones being an adult-only accessory. For kids, cell phones are about a regular feature of their wardrobe as their iPod or designer jeans.
With many conflicting reports on the risk that cell phones may cause brain tumors, it is hard to weed through the information and come to a decision that you and your child feels good about. With recent international research pointing to the possible health risks of cell phones, including brain cancer, acoustic and vestibular disorders and cognitive and memory disruptions, you have to wonder if it’s worth taking the risk?
While many concerned parents invest in a hands-free kit because of their seeming ability to reduce the amount of RF energy exposure to the head, recent studies from European scientists and consumer groups have suggested that the wire from the ear piece acts as an aerial and actually increases the radiation by three times. Bluetooth headsets may be just as dangerous since the signal from the phone carries radiation directly into the inner ear.
So what is the best course of action that parents and their children should take? First, parents can start by talking to their children about the concerns and potential dangers of cell phone use. And moms and dads themselves are avid cell phone users, and then they should think about limiting the amount of time they use their cellular phone to set a good example for their children. Next, parents should encourage their children to be responsible for their cell phone habits, including the bill.
For those who are hungry for more information on what they can do to appease their teenaged son or daughter and have their own sense of peace of mind, here is one formidable resource that can help parents make a sound decision: EMFacts.
In addition, parents should also read the articles "Children And Mobile Phones: The Health Of The Following Generations Is In Danger" and "Children and Mobile Phones ... Is There a Health Risk?" for additional education.
And remember: if you decide to not allow your child to have a cell phone until he or she is 18 years of age, take heart in knowing that 99 percent of children and teenagers, from the beginning of time have never had a cell phone and they were just fine.
- Heather Ashare, MPH