Tweens and Cell Phone Risk
Source: Tween Parent Staff
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Very few tween parents have not thought about (or been hounded by!) their tween wanting a cell phone. Parents tend to feel strongly, whatever their opinion. The parents who've chosen to allow their tweens to have a cell phone generally cite peace of mind to be able to reach their preteen at any time and vice versa. The parents who've decided not to allow their tween to have a cell phone, tend to feel their child is "too young"; or they may be uncomfortable with the health risk. A 2009 TweenParent.com survey revealed that only 13% of tweens under 11 years old had cell phones. We suspect that number has increased significantly in the last year alone, as the use of cell phones has continued to gain momentum by older and younger people alike.
Whether your tween does or doesn't have a cell phone, there is now insightful data to be aware of and a number of precautionary steps that can be taken (including texting instead of speaking!) to minimize the risk. Most suggestions involve keeping the cell phone a reasonable distance from the head, understanding when risks are highest and, ultimately, limiting use.
A recent study with an explanation of what's harmful and helpful tips of how to minimize exposure are discussed in this ABC News video clip of Dr. Mehmet OZ talking with Diane Sawyer about "Cell Phones and Your Health"
Seven Surprising Ways Cell Phones Affect Your Health
Dr. Magda Havas, Associate Professor at Trent University in Canada (and an expert in electromagnetic fields) outlines some of the harmful effects in a presentation of "Cell Phones and Cigarettes: What Do They Have In Common?"
Check out this other cell phone related article on tweenparent.com:
