Almost two million children between 7 and 14 exist in Australia and statistics show they spend an enormous $1.3 billion dollars a year (Today Tonight, 2004). This worrying figure and the increased use of mobile phones by children is becoming a major issue in Australia.
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Public concern has been expressed over the possibility that children may be more susceptible to radiation emissions from mobile phones. Whilst there is no definite answer in regards to this matter, the issue has become a major concern for parents around the world.
Several reasons validate their concern. Firstly, children have thinner skulls therefore radiation can penetrate further into their heads (Electromagnetic Radiation Australia, 2004). “Studies have been conducted to measure the energy absorption from a mobile phone using anatomically correct phantoms of both child and adult heads� (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 2003). However, once again, these studies have not provided enough evidence to suggest children will suffer adverse health effects.
A second reason for parental concern is due to the fact that children are developing every day. This means that their cells (which are also growing and dividing) become even more vulnerable to the radiation (Electromagnetic Radiation Australia, 2004). Several animal experiments have looked into the sensitivity of the nervous system. Although one particular study analyzed morphological changes in brain cells and behaviour, no significant results were found (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 2003).
A final point into this issue refers to the concern that children have a lifetime of potential exposure as it is likely they will still use mobile phones when they get older. Therefore, with the likelihood of long-term use, children will be more affected than older generations (Electromagnetic Radiation Australia, 2004). “In particular, animal studies have investigated the effect of mobile phone emissions on tumour incidence, promotion, growth and survival rate in animals at different stages of their development� (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 2003). Once again, no concrete health results arose with long-term exposure.
The Stewart Report is a well-known report created by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP). Published in 2000, contents of the report firmly discourage the use of mobile phones by children for non-essential calls� (Electromagnetic Radiation Australia, 2004). The report also recommends that the mobile phone industry should stop promoting mobile phones to children. Other organizations against the use of mobile phones by children include the German Academy of Paediatrics and Britain’s Department of Health (Electromagnetic Radiation Australia, 2004).
For many parents, the doubts that have come from recent research and reports throughout the media is reason enough to monitor their child’s mobile phone usage. Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Australia Pty Ltd (2004) recommends several precautionary steps for parents.
Firstly, purchase a mobile phone with a minimal number of extra functions (e.g. camera and internet access) to limit use by their child. Secondly, ensure the child uses his/her mobile phone only in emergency situations and uses hands-free equipment to keep phone as far away from body as possible. Thirdly, do not purchase toy mobile phones for children to avoid encouraging them as they get older. Lastly, parents should lead by setting a good example and discussing with their children the appropriate limits to mobile phone use and proper safety precautions.
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Naomi 10:20, 21 Oct 2004 (EST)
