The arguments have existed for a long time to limit the use of these phones, not only among children, but among everyone!
As a precautionary principle first; because no really serious study has succeeded in demonstrating a neutral or negative effect. Some earthworms did not bear well; It’s been demonstrated. But generalization to humans has not been made. And the decline becomes significant enough to be a little reassured.
On the other hand, the collateral damage, rather from the field of psychiatry has been proven, without forgetting the disaster of their use at the wheel, which is perfectly prohibited but poorly respected.
Debate of “for or against”, regarding a possible ban before 12 years:
Against the ban.
Children ; it is obvious but we must not forget the power of persuasion of the child-king, who beyond what really brings him the phone, makes it his possession, one of the fashion must, as in his time the walkman for his parents or the transistor for his grandparents.
Then it’s a tool that can defy prohibitions: those of chat at any time with social networks, and content, with access to the Internet.
The parents : the scary world described by the media, made of aggression and racketeering, becomes much more bearable, when we are guaranteed to know, at all times, where the cherub is (geolocation applications are already very popular ) and be able to be certain, that at the slightest problem the laptop will ring. There are not many arguments against this …
Finally, don’t forget phone manufacturers, which are companies more powerful than the states and which will certainly agitate, faced with the threat on a very important market, their forces in lobbying; as much with elected officials as on social networks, of which they are the inventors and the main beneficiaries.
For the ban.
First the ban on two models, the Kidicom Max and the RX-901 from Simvalley, which were created exclusively for this target under 12 years old and whose manufacturers know how to find solid sentimental advertising arguments, to appeal to parents . Children do not need any arguments to convince themselves. Just a little marketing help to force parents’ decisions.
This association approach is motivated by the double exposure of children to the airwaves and to screens.
For the airwaves as we have already written, the evidence is lacking on an organic harmfulness. On the other hand, there is no shortage of arguments to attribute to them – again at all ages – a responsibility for sleep disorders, concentration, drowsiness during the day and especially memory disorders. Even more devastating effects on toddlers.
One of the aspects not necessarily emphasized by these organizations is the concern of child psychiatrists on the provision – via the smartphone – of content, in particular pornographic content, the impact of which will soon be measured
In practice :
It is unlikely that a ban on mobile phones before the age of 12 will be decided by elected officials. On the other hand, we must militate on two concepts
If the mobile phone seems an essential purchase, it must in no case be a smartphone. A phone without internet access is imperative. This will partly protect against content drift…
Then, but this is valid for the whole family, repeat the rules of good use of the cell phone all the time: Limit the duration of communication to 3 minutes, wait 15 minutes between each call. The use of the hands-free kit which keeps the phone away from the head is recommended not in the car where it is prohibited but at home or on the street.
Finally, do not forget that before 12 years old, it is a key period for the child to indulge, without limits or restrictions, in a fundamental practice for his future life: playing outside with his friends until fatigue the terrace; because before the phone, inactivity and its consequences obesity are the two main threats to one’s health.
Doctor Jean-François Lemoine
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