Do cell phones increase your child’s risk of brain cancer?

When it comes to cell phones and increased cancer risks – particularly when it comes to children – there are many conflicting studies and inconsistent advice on this issue.

Cell phones and radiation

According to the National Cancer Institute, cell phones emit radiation (in the form of radiofrequency radiation, or radio waves), and cell phone use is widespread. Even a small increase in cancer risk from cell phones would be of concern given how many people use them. Brain and central nervous system cancers have been of particular concern because hand-held phones are used close to the head.

There are theoretical considerations as to why the possible risk should be investigated separately in children. Their nervous systems are still developing and, therefore, more vulnerable to factors that may cause cancer. Their heads are smaller than those of adults and consequently, have a greater proportional exposure to radiation emitted by cell phones. And, children have the potential of accumulating more years of cell phone exposure than adults.

What research suggests

A few years ago, an alarming report indicated that children and teenagers were five times more likely to get brain cancer if they used cell phones. The study raised fears that young people may suffer an epidemic of the disease in later life. New studies have since emerged – some confirming that cell phones are dangerous, others rubbishing the claims. Whatever the truth is, parents can still minimise the possible risks by following these cautionary guidelines:

While cellphones are not recommended for children under the age of 12, if your child must have a cell phone:

• Ensure the cell phone’s charging cable is not situated right next to your child’s bed. Better yet, put it in a different room.
• Invest in a headset for your child’s cell phone. This will help increase the distance between the phone and your child’s brain.
• Don’t let your child download large files or stream videos on their cell phone.
• Set a timer on your child’s cell phone and limit the time they use their phone during the day.
• Only let your child use a cell phone where the reception is good. The weaker the reception, the more power the phone must use to transmit, and the more power it uses, the more radiation it emits.
• Turn the cell phone off when not in use. As long as the cell phone is on, it emits radiation intermittently, even when your child is not actually using it.