Cell Phones And Your Kid
I am continually shocked (well not really any more) when I see so many children under the age of 12 carrying and using cell phones on the elementary school play ground and out at the mall and other places in and out of the presence of their parents.
The evidence is mounting that cell phones may not be safe for children’s use. Be aware that the thing that separates kids from adults is the fact that their bodies are growing and developing. So, the impact of those radio waves on their bodies, particularly their brains, could be significant.
According to a University of Washington scientist: “70 percent to 80 percent of the energy emitted from the antenna of a mobile phone is absorbed in the head. This expert was particularly concerned about kids using mobiles because their younger skulls — contrary to popular opinion — are thinner and their growing brains may be much more susceptible to radiation exposure”.
So far the develpoment of brain tumours has been ruled out BUT…I don’t believe we can say for sure there are no linked problems related to the use of a cell phone over long periods of time.We Just don’t know.When I place my ear to my own cell phone and it warms up after a few minutes ,even causing pain (so severe I had to stop using it on the same ear regularly) I think we have to consider conservative use for our growing children.
Beyond the possible physical effects ,what about the psychological,social-emotional effects of excess cell phone use. Our children mimic our behaviors often times. Are we demonstrating polite cell use in public places? Proper cell phone etiquette includes:
1. Not using phones in at any store while waiting in line or even worse paying for items.
2. No cell phones in any waiting room.
3. No using cell phones when driving - especially with your kids.(I know this one takes practice but,studies show hands or no hands talk really can increase your chances of an accident)
4. No using cell phones at your child’s school . If you must go to a private location and make it short.
What are the reasons a elememtary child would need a cell phone?
I am of the opinion that my daughter Does Not Need and will not get a cell phone for quite some time.My reason is simply.She is never in a situation that requires her to check in with me right now. She is to young to go to malls or to the park with out direct adult supervision. Therfore no need. I tell her to call her friends when your at home . Some reasons a child may need a cell phone are:
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Alone at home after school
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Walk home alone with out adult supervision
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Participates in activities where there is no handy phone to call you in a pinch?
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Does your child ride a distance on moving vehicles away from home, such as bikes, roller blades or skateboards?
One great come back when my daughter asks for a phone now and again is “All your friends have phones so in a real pinch use theirs“. : – )
For more on cell phone use, check out:
Until Next time
My 12 year old and my 10 year old both have cell phones, but I would say they use them more for texting than talking. My son walks from the gym where I teach to the ice rink next door for practice. He texts me when he gets in the locker room and it has become very handy.
My 10 year old just got hers and really doesn’t have much opportunity to use it yet, but it did come in handy tonight. She is at a team gathering and then spending the night at a teammates house. It was nice for her to be able to text me quickly with an update.
I do monitor their use and try to teach them responsible cell phone usage. Hopefully they will head some of my advice.
My kids didn’t get cell phones until high school when their sports schedules became less predictable. It started when my oldest was on the varsity baseball team as a freshman. Since the older students were able to drive home, the coach wasn’t very consistent with ending practice at a scheduled time. My son just called me when he was ready for his ride, and I didn’t have to waste time sitting in a parking lot waiting for practice to end. As much as my younger children begged for cell phones in junior high, I held out and they survived. It was awkward for them to use their friends’ phones too often. But I tried to teach them that planning their social activities in advance would eliminate much of their need for instant phone communication. I strongly believe that young people are losing the opportunity to develop planning and scheduling skills because they live their lives “in the moment,” always ready to change their plans at the instant request of friends with cell phones. What a gift we can give them if they are allowed to learn how to commit to a plan and follow through on it. I imagine there would be big benefits when they enter the professional working world.
So glad I found your site today! I look forward to checking back frequently.