MOBILE PHONES ARE FOCUSING CHILDREN UNDER 16
Mobile phones are very popular with young people and have obvious attractions for personal security and keeping in touch with others. Parents and young people should make their own informed choices about the use of mobile phones. The current balance of evidence does not show health problems caused by using mobile phones. However the research does show that using mobile phone affects brain activity. There are also significant gap in our scientific knowledge. Because the head and nervous system are still developing into the teenage years, the expert group considers that if there are any unrecognised health risks from mobile phone use, then children and young people might be more vulnerable than adults.
The expert group has recommended that in line with precautionary approach, the widespread use of mobile phones by children (under the age of 16) should be discouraged for non-essential calls.
In light of this recommendation the UK Chief Medical Officer strongly advise that where children and young people do use mobile phones, they should be encouraged to:
Use mobile phones for essential calls only.
Keep all calls short (talking for long periods prolongs exposure and should be discouraged)
The UK CMO's recommend that if parents want to avoid their children being subject to any possible risk that might be identified in the future, the way to do so is to exercise their choice not to let their children use mobile phones.
At Work
Mobile phones are often used at work. They can have benefits for safety, efficiency and convenience of employers and staff. Employers have legal duties to protect the health and safety of their employees. The Health and Safety Executives advises employers that they should instruct staff not to use mobile phones while driving, or doing anything else where safety is important and their use might interfere with concentration.
Where employers require staff to use mobile phone, and concerns about possible health risks are raised, employers could respond by, for example:
Explaining that mobile phones operate within international guidelines Discussing with concerned staff ways to reduce mobile phone use.
In Hospitals and Aeroplanes
The radio signals emitted by mobile phone systems can interfere with sensitive electronic equipment. In hospitals, aeroplanes and other restricted areas observe the warning signs and switch off your mobile when required.
SAR Values
It is possible to measure how much radio wave energy your body receives from each model of mobile phone. This is called the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). From 2001, there will be a European Standard method for measuring SAR. This information will be provided to consumers for each model of mobile phone sold in the UK from this time. Users may wish to take account of these relative SAR values when choosing a mobile phone. All models sold in the UK already meet international exposure guidelines.
Hands-free Kit
The level of effectiveness of hands-free kit to reduce SAR is still uncertain. Further research is being carried out to investigate SAR levels when using phones with hands-free kit and the results will be made available as soon as they are completed.
The expert group has recommended that in line with precautionary approach, the widespread use of mobile phones by children (under the age of 16) should be discouraged for non-essential calls.
In light of this recommendation the UK Chief Medical Officer strongly advise that where children and young people do use mobile phones, they should be encouraged to:
Use mobile phones for essential calls only.
Keep all calls short (talking for long periods prolongs exposure and should be discouraged)
The UK CMO's recommend that if parents want to avoid their children being subject to any possible risk that might be identified in the future, the way to do so is to exercise their choice not to let their children use mobile phones.
At Work
Mobile phones are often used at work. They can have benefits for safety, efficiency and convenience of employers and staff. Employers have legal duties to protect the health and safety of their employees. The Health and Safety Executives advises employers that they should instruct staff not to use mobile phones while driving, or doing anything else where safety is important and their use might interfere with concentration.
Where employers require staff to use mobile phone, and concerns about possible health risks are raised, employers could respond by, for example:
Explaining that mobile phones operate within international guidelines Discussing with concerned staff ways to reduce mobile phone use.
In Hospitals and Aeroplanes
The radio signals emitted by mobile phone systems can interfere with sensitive electronic equipment. In hospitals, aeroplanes and other restricted areas observe the warning signs and switch off your mobile when required.
SAR Values
It is possible to measure how much radio wave energy your body receives from each model of mobile phone. This is called the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). From 2001, there will be a European Standard method for measuring SAR. This information will be provided to consumers for each model of mobile phone sold in the UK from this time. Users may wish to take account of these relative SAR values when choosing a mobile phone. All models sold in the UK already meet international exposure guidelines.
Hands-free Kit
The level of effectiveness of hands-free kit to reduce SAR is still uncertain. Further research is being carried out to investigate SAR levels when using phones with hands-free kit and the results will be made available as soon as they are completed.
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