4 Harmful Effects Of Mobile Phones On Kids

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Mobile phones have become a necessity for people of all ages. But before giving one to your children, you should be aware of the effects of mobile phones on kids.

Phones have become a boon and a bane to society. They help us stay connected to people living far away from us and give us access to a world of opportunities. But on the other hand, addiction to phones can cause damage to children’s eyesight and impact their well-being (1).

So, if you are thinking of giving your child a mobile phone, we suggest you wait for a little longer. Read on as we state the facts about the effects that mobile phones have on children and suggest ways to reduce their exposure to the phones.

The graph shows the percentage of parents who think it is acceptable for their children to have a smartphone at a given age. While 4% of parents think it is unacceptable for children to have a smartphone at any age, 45% are fine giving it to kids in the age group of 12-14 years. Less than 1% are willing to give a phone to children less than two years of age.

Parents' opinion on when a child can own a smartphone

Bad Effects Of Mobile Phones On Children

Today’s children are growing up in a radio-frequency environment that never existed in human history before. The radiation emitted by mobile phones and mobile phone masts can have adverse effects on children. Some include:

1. Health Hazard:

In recent years, there has been a lot of speculation about the impact of cell phone radiation on our body. A study by The Journal of the American Medical Association stirred the debate when it investigated the repercussions the mobile phones could have on the brain activity. The possible health hazards of mobile phones on children are as follows:

A. Non-Malignant Tumors:

The study has shown that children who use mobile phones have the possibility of developing non-malignant tumor in the brain and ear (2).

B. Cancer:

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified cell phone radiation as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ (3). Children absorb more than 60% of the radiation into the brain than adults. It is believed that their brain’s thinner skin, tissues, and bones may make them more vulnerable to absorb the radiation twice as much as grown-ups; however, more research is needed to establish the finding (4). Their developing nervous system makes them more vulnerable to this ‘carcinogen’.

C. Effects On The Brain:

The radio waves from the mobile penetrate deep into the brain, not just around the ear. The disturbed brain activity could impair children’s learning ability and other behavioral problems. It could even affect their mood and ability to learn in the classroom if they have used the phone during the break time (5).

Research finds

A cross-sectional study demonstrated that mobile media use in young children is significantly associated with expressive speech delay (9).

2. Academics:

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Children, just like teens, are addicted to mobile phones. They play games, chat and talk to their friends on their mobile phone all the time. Along with the school supplies, many students take their mobile phones on their daily trips to their school. They talk on the phone during their free time and send messages during the classes. Thus, they miss the lesson taught and fall behind the other students (6).

3. Inappropriate Behavior:

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Use of cell phones can lead children to engage in inappropriate behaviors. Texting and sending inappropriate pictures is a growing problem with teens. The images go in the wrong hands, giving others access to the private photos. Children can also access pornographic sites from their multimedia devices (6).

4. Malpractice In Exams:

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Most students indulge in exam malpractices and cheating during internal and external examinations. Some make use of a calculator, while others store information in it. Some also use it to send answers for multiple choice questions to those in the examination hall. It can end the student’s career if caught (7).

Did you know?

Research shows that smartphone use among young children is associated with reduced sleep quality and quantity (10).

Mobile Phone Safety For Kids

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As a parent, you must take preventive measures to minimize your child’s exposure to the harmful effects of mobile phones. Follow the following tips in this regard (2) (8):

• Do not give a cell phone if your child is under 16 years. A child’s brain is too sensitive to withstand the effects of mobile radiation.

• Do not let your child hold a mobile phone directly up to their head. Use an air-tube headset instead.

• Do not let your child make calls in buses, trains, cars, and elevators. The mobile phone works harder to get the signal out through the metal, which increases the power level.

• Do not let your child use a cell phone when the signal is weak. It will increase the power to the maximum, as the phone attempts to connect to a new relay antenna.

• Limit the use of cell phones around children.

• Make sure that there is no mobile phone mast or network tower near your home or your kid’s school.

• Do not let children take mobile phones to school.

• Do not leave mobile phones in your children’s bedroom at night.

• Install parental control applications which allows you to control information accessible to the children and monitor it also.

• Enroll your children in more outdoor activities like sports, music lessons, this occupies their time, while engaging them both physically and mentally

Quick tip

Define clear boundaries and set a reward and consequence system to encourage children about the responsible use of mobile phones.

Infographic: Mobile Phone Safety For Children

Mobile phones are a common part of daily life for children, who use them for communication and entertainment. Although they have several benefits, smartphones aren’t entirely risk-free. Thus, parental guidance is necessary. Read the following infographic to find practical tips you can follow to ensure safe and responsible mobile phone use by your child.

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Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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Dr. Maymunah Yusuf KadiriMD

Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, popularly referred to as ‘The Celebrity Shrink,’ is an award-winning neuro-psychiatrist and mental health advocate with over 15 years experience. She is the medical director and psychiatrist-in-chief at Pinnacle Medical Services. She has created the innovative mental health app in Africa, HOW BODI. Dr. Kadiri is a Goldman Sachs Scholar on Entrepreneurial Management of Pan Atlantic...more

Sadiya QamarContributor

Sadiya is a writer and editor with a passion for writing about parenthood and children. Her focus areas are health, wellness, and beauty. For MomJunction, she writes on kids’ health and nutrition.  Sadiya believes in doing in-depth research and providing accurate information to help parents with concerns on their children’s growth and development.more