Cell phones and smartphones have graduated from simple communication tools to everyday appliances integral to our daily lives. However, many parents still feel trepidation regarding cell phone radiation and their children.
Below, we’ll discuss everything that every parent should know about cell phone radiation and how it affects their kids.
Do Cell Phones Emit Radiation?
Yes, cell phones emit radiation, but it’s likely not what you imagine. Cell phones and smartphones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation to connect signals to make a call.
RF radiation is not like the other radiation we’re all familiar with, such as X-rays. These X-rays can be tremendously harmful to the human body if it experiences enough radiation for an extended period. While cell phones emit a form of radiation, they do not bombard your head with X-ray radiation every time you take a call.
Does Cell Phone Radiation Cause Cancer or Other Health Defects?
This question is one that many people have asked since cell phones arrived on the scene decades ago. To date, there is no scientific evidence that links cell phone use to cancer or other health defects.
That said, leading health organizations like the International Agency for Research on Cancer aren’t committed to ruling out the possibility, calling RF radiation a “possible human carcinogen.” This organization and other larger health agencies like the CDC believe more scientific research is necessary to rule out the possibility of adverse health effects from cell phone use.
Can Cell Phone Radiation Affect Children?
The primary thing that parents should know about cell phone radiation and kids is whether it can harm their children. The same rule applies to children and adults—while there’s been no scientific link, professionals are yet to rule it out.
Caution is always a good thing, but parents shouldn’t constantly fret about RF radiation exposure. Even though there’s no scientific evidence of RF radiation damaging people’s health, cell phone and smartphone manufacturers still take protective measures, such as installing every cell phone with a radiation shield.
How Can I Reduce Radiation Exposure for My Kids?
If you’re concerned about RF radiation and your kids, there are a few ways you can reduce their exposure. While you could always take away your kids’ phones, that’s not a practical step for many families.
Some simple steps that will help your kids reduce their exposure to RF without eliminating their cell phone use include the following.
- Reducing total time with cell phone
- Using speaker mode when making calls
- Using headphones or earbuds when making calls
- Texting instead of calling
RF radiation is most present when making calls with the phone against your ear, but you can limit exposure by simply keeping some distance between your head and the device.
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