Bann On Use of Cell Phones in Schools

Karnataka government has decided to ban the use of mobile phones by children under the age of 16 in schools and junior colleges. the government has stated that this decision has been taken in the interests of the children's health.

The cell phone industry meanwhile has said that there is no evidence to prove the health risk involved.

The government panel is debating the possible health hazards after a study on the risks from mobile phones. In its preliminary findings, the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) says mobile phone use puts some groups at risk. Children under 16 should be stopped from using mobiles as it can cause tissue damage.

what it really mean to us ?

CHILDREN under the age of eight should not use mobile phones, a resent reserch report says use of cell phone can cause tumours to ear and brainand, and the risks had been underestimated by most scientists.

Professor Sir William Stewart, chairman of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), said that evidence of potentially harmful effects had become more persuasive over the past five years.

In his report, Mobile Phones and Health, Sir William said that four studies have caused concern. One ten-year study in Sweden suggests that heavy mobile users are more prone to non-malignant tumours in the ear and brain while a Dutch study had suggested changes in cognitive function. A German study has hinted at an increase in cancer around base stations, while a project supported by the EU had shown evidence of cell damage from fields typical of those of mobile phones.

For children aged between 8 and 14, parents had to make their own judgments about the risks and benefits. “I can’t believe that for three to eight year-olds they can be readily justified,” he said.

David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, called last night for a ban on mobiles in schools.

Mobile phone companies reacted furiously, saying that the report fanned public concern without presenting new research. The youth market is highly lucrative because teenagers are more likely to use video downloads and other services.

The World Health Organisation is preparing to publish an international report, drawing on hundreds of studies conducted over a decade, which many hope will give a definitive judgment on mobile phone safety.

The board’s report says that while there is a lack of hard information of damage to health, the approach should be precautionary. Sir William said: “Just because there are 50 million of them out there doesn’t mean they are absolutely safe.”

One school in the North East has begun using mobile scanners to prevent pupils using mobiles in class. “Outside college hours it is up to parents, but in our care if mobiles are found on children, they are confiscated and returned to the parents,” David Riden, vice principal of Tollbar Business and Enterprise College in New Waltham, said.

One group that appears to target young users is Richard Branson’s Virgin Mobile, which derives much of its revenue from the 16s-35s market. It denies targeting under 16s but has cornered a large slice of the youth market with cheap voice and text messages.

for further info
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4163003.stm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article411329.ece