A young child with a cellular phone against their ear may not feel the effects of certain foreign frequencies on their body. Nevertheless, these effects are still there. Children, with growing brains, nervous systems, immune systems, and thinner skulls, are more at risk from low frequency radiation within the body. The long-term health effects are still under investigation, yet this is not stopping many cell phone companies from continuously targeting children with cartoon image phones. The wireless industry, being increasingly competitive, markets these phones to children as young as 8 years old.

Adults like the idea of being in touch with their children at all times. I agree this is a valid safety precaution. Teenagers see cell phones as status symbols. However, what are the risks? Many doctors and scientists are worried about the biological changes that can occur from continuous cell phone use.Children are using cell phones at a younger age than any previous generation. They will be exposed over many years, and spend more time each day with phones against their heads, than ever before. I've heard that somekids even sleep with their cell phones under their pillow, to allow them to get text messages or calls anytime.

The problem is that these biological changes can cause many different symptoms. Everyone's symptom is different, depending on their susceptibility and level of exposure. Short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, lack of concentration, fatigue, compromise immune function, affect sleep, decrease the effectiveness of therapeutic drug treatment, and decrease mental and physical well-being.

Long-term exposure can cause mutations, cancer, and degenerative brain diseases.

Some people dismiss these concerns, pointing to research that shows no reason for worry. Health Canada acknowledges potential cell phone effects in internal documents. However publicly, it has not commented. The Canadian Cellphone Association says on it's website that "overwhelming evidence in the scientific community…supports the conclusion that there is no demonstrated health risk".

In contrast to this, many European countries have issued public warnings to parents. There have been warnings in Germany, France and Russia. In Britain, the health officials have been the most outspoken. They have told the wireless industry repeatedly to stop promoting cell phones to children, and have publicly discouraged kids from using them for any non-essential calls. There have been no such public warnings here in Canada, or in the USA.

Even though various studies, and the findings in my clinic, indicate biological effects, the World Health Organization has not informed the public of any proven health effects. They wish to continue studying the problem. Meanwhile, children are using cell phones at an increasing rate. Some telephone companies estimate that over half of the pre-teens in North America will regularly use a cell phone within the next few years.

Another cause for concern is that the cell phone industry is relatively young in Canada, being approximately only 25 years old. Cellular telephones for the public were fairly rare, and they were mainly used by business people, during the first 10 years. It is only in the last 10 to 15 years that customers have been able to enjoy unlimited calling and texting, affordable monthly rates, and highly subsidized phones. Cellular telephones have become an important business and social need, and this leads to more time spent using these devices. Some researchers believe it will take many more years of study to determine the long-term health consequences. I believe we should err on the side of caution, and start protecting ourselves and our children NOW!