The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection interviewed 2500 children and adolescents about their cell phone use habits. One topic was the question of whether the radiation intensity of the phone model can influence the purchasing behavior of children and young people.

However, the survey showed that a potential health risk is of secondary importance to respondents when making a purchase. Only one in three 6 to 13-year-olds (35 percent) are worried about cell phone radiation.

Among 14- to 17-year-olds, just under one in five (18 percent) have heard of radiation exposure in connection with cell phones. When making a purchase, however, most (99 percent) from both age groups look at the price, additional functions, speed and design – and not the radiation values.

In addition, the majority always have their cell phone at hand, not only during the day but also at night: Almost all (93 percent) of 14- to 17-year-olds and the majority (58 percent) of 6- to 13-year-olds say they also keep their cell phone close at hand while sleeping.

However, children and young people between the ages of 6 and 13 use their cell phones less for making calls and more for playing games (66%), sending text messages (57%) and listening to music (52%). This can be more favorable for radiation exposure, but only if the most frequently used Wi-Fi function is deactivated. The same applies to Bluetooth, mobile data, etc.

A conscious approach to wireless technology can pay very positive dividends for today’s young people later on – why not bring up the subject with the family (again)?

Original article: http://www.rp-online.de/digitales/smartphones/strahlenbelastung-vom-handy-ist-fuer-jugendliche-zweitrangig-aid-1.4464598

Source: dpa