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Mobile phones utilise radio waves to transmit information. These
waves are also known as radio frequency (RF) fields or
electromagnetic fields (EMF or EME). Understandably, reports which
suggest that RF emissions from mobile phones may impact childrens’
health raise questions in the minds of parents and others.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) - the specialised United Nations
agency for health - has a clear position on RF and mobile phones.
International guidelines governing RF emissions from mobile phones
are in place. These guidelines are designed to protect everyone in
the population, including children.
Since 1995, more than 20 expert panels and government agencies have
examined the
scientific evidence regarding health effects from RF exposure. The
consistent conclusion of these reviews is that the scientific
knowledge shows there is no evidence of harmful effects to the
general population - including children
- from RF exposure below internationally accepted standards.
In July 2005, the WHO stated:
‘To date, all expert reviews on the health effects of exposure to RF
fields have reached the same conclusion: There have been no adverse
heath consequences established from exposure to RF fields at levels
below the international guidelines…’
The WHO goes on to say that the
international guidelines incorporate large safety factors to protect
all people, including children. Specifically in relation to mobile
phone use the WHO advises that:
‘Present scientific evidence does not indicate the need for any
special precautions for the use of mobile phones. If individuals are
concerned, they might choose to limit their own or their children’s
RF exposure by limiting the length of calls, or by using
“hands-free” devices to keep mobiles away from the head and body.'
Like so many other potentially harmful things in life it appears to
be that ‘moderation’ is the most effective strategy if parents are
concerned. The Gecko phone, as a limited function phone, is less
likely to be used to excess than many other phones. Gecko provides
an accessory hands-free kit specifically designed for use by
children.
Australian Government
The Australian Government - Australian Radiation Protection and
Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPNS), in Fact Sheet Electromagnetic
Emissions (EME) Series No. 11 - ‘Mobile phones and children’, echoes
the WHO position.ARPNS notes there has been limited research on the issue of mobile
phone use by children particularly in relation to whether:
- the exposure dose of RF received by a child’s brain is higher than
that received by an adult,
- children are more sensitive due to their developing nervous
system, and
- whether children are more vulnerable due to a longer lifetime
exposure.
However, their conclusion is: “At present, there is insufficient evidence in the science to
substantiate the hypothesis that children may be more vulnerable to
RF EME
emissions from mobile phones than adults.” The ARPNS reiterates the WHO recommendation that concerned
individuals
should limit use of mobile phones or use a hands-free device. Emotional Benefit
Whilst the consistent conclusion of expert
panel reviews of scientific evidence is that mobile phones don’t
pose any specific harm to children, there is an increasing body of
anecdotal and research evidence which suggests equipping children
with mobile phones may deliver emotional benefits to both children
and parents. For example, a German study1 found that children feel the need for
their mobile phones to be with them at all times when away from
home. Effectively a mobile phone is an “emotional and functional
prop” while children explore independence from parental supervision. A UK study2 found 68% of boys and 87% of girls thought “Having a
mobile phone makes
me feel safer and more secure”. The same study showed that 64% of
boys and 79% of girls thought “If I have my mobile with me, my parents worry less
about me”. This UK study also reported that 73% of respondents had used their
phone to call
friends or family in an ‘emergency’.
References:
1 Bohler, E & Shuz, J, Cellular telephone use among primary school
children in Germany, European Journal of Epidemiology 2004; 19;
1043-1050
2 Haste, H, Joined-Up Texting: The role of mobile phones in young
people’s lives, Nestle Social Research Programme (UK), 2005. Additional Information:
World Health Organization (WHO) International
EMF Project
Australian Government - Australian Radiation
Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
Australian Mobile Telecommunications
Association
US Federal Communication Commission (FCC)
RF Safety Program
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center
for Devices and Radiological Health
National Radiological Protection Board (UK)
US Cellular Telecommunications Industry
Association
Mobile Manufacturers Forum |
