Press Releases for 2005

REDUCING MOBILE PHONE USE BY YOUNG PEOPLE GREENS REQUEST ACTION BY KCC AND MEDWAY

13th January 2005

Professor William Stewart of the National Radiological Protection Board, commenting on new research, has urged that mobile phones should not be given to children under the age of 8. He also suggests that use of such phones should be severely reduced amongst 8-14 year olds (1). Confirming earlier research commissioned by Green MEP, Dr Caroline Lucas, Professor Stewart's is not the first authoritative voice calling for young people's use of mobile phones to be reduced on health grounds. Kent Green Party is calling upon Kent County Council and the Medway Unitary Authority to develop a policy for schools to help reduce mobile phone use. Steve Dawe comments:

"Many of us make use of mobile phones. My job as a press officer would be very difficult without one. However, we have to face the fact that accumulated evidence does suggest that electromagnetic radiation is more likely to harm the young as their skulls are thinner than those of adults. Since about a quarter of 7-10 year olds have mobile phones, we are going to have difficulty protecting public health in this area. We need a policy for schools, after consultation with parents, teachers and the National Radiological Protection Board, which would help to reduce mobile phone use during the school day. Kent Green Party calls upon KCC and Medway UA to develop such a policy.

"The more difficult task is persuading parents that their youngest children may be at risk if they possess a mobile phone. The Mobile Phone industry must also consider this new research, and bring forward means of protecting users from their own phones." ENDS c280 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, on 01233 645167 or 07747 036192. Address as above. Steve Dawe teaches Environmental Policy for the Open University, amongst other courses.
Notes:
1. David Adam Expert spells it out: health fears mean young should not use mobile phones The Guardian, 13th January 2005. 2. See www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk

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