The Effects Of Mobile Phones - Essay Example

The effects of mobile phones Introduction Mobile phones have a negative effect on users. Studies have shown that their use ofaffect the health of persons who use them. This is in addition to the negative effects it has on the behavior of young children. The use of mobile phones has also been found to affect driving performance. Health Problems According to BBC News (2002), studies have linked the use of mobile phones with headaches, hotspots in the brain as well as cancer. However, Foster and Moulder (2000) indicated that lawsuits that have been filed in courts in the United States have not been able to provide any concrete evidence of this claim as there has been no proven associated increase in cancer among the population and the complainants have not been able to provide any evidence to substantiate that their case is caused by the use of mobile phones.

ARPHANSA (n.d.) has also indicated that although there is a possibility of a small risk, there is no clear evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that it poses a long-term health hazard. Teenagers are high users of mobile phones. Studies carried out in the U.K. have found that approximately 80% of 11 to 14 year olds own a mobile phone (The Institute of Science in Society n.d.). Studies also indicate that prolonged use may cause teenage brains to age prematurely (The Institute of Science in Society n.d.).

Behavioral Problems in Young Children According to Divan et al (2010), prenatal and postnatal exposures to mobile phones have resulted in behavioral problems in young children. The research leading to this conclusion was preceded by another research by the same researches and so the researchers have claimed that the results from this research prove that there is not by chance. However, these findings have been disputed. Driving Performance Various studies have shown that motor vehicle accidents are as a result of the use of mobile phones while driving.

According to Caird et al (2004) epidemiological research has consistently shown an increase in motor vehicle crashes associated with the use of mobile phones. Caird et al (2004) also indicates that crash studies have been hampered by insufficient information relating to mobile phone use on the accident report form and suggests that once the reporting improves the statistics will show an increase in mobile phone related crashes. A number of countries have implemented bans which prohibit the use of mobile phone while driving.

Conclusion Despite the concerns relating to the effects of mobile phones on health, the behavior of young children and driving performance, the use of mobile phones has gained increasing popularity. Mobile phones provide a convenient way of staying in touch with friends and relatives while on the go. The evidence gained from studies relating to the use of cell phones is not conclusive. However, care needs to be taken in how mobile phones are used and the length of time that users spend at any one time on the phone.

ARPHANSO (n.d.) suggests that users who are concerned about the health risks can minimize the duration of calls, only making calls where the reception is good, sending text messages or using hands free options. ARPHANSA (n.d.) also indicates that this advice also applies to children since the information relating to the use of mobile phones by children is limited. Reference ARPHANSA. (n.d.) Mobile Telephone and Health Effects. Retrieved from: http://www.arpansa.gov.au/mobilephones/index.cfm BBC News (2002).

Fresh fears over mobile phones. Retrieved from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2053565.stm Foster, K.R and Moulder, J.E. (2000) Health Effects of Mobile Phones: Recent Scientific and Policy Developments. Retrieved from: http://www.seas.upenn.edu/~kfoster/COST259.htm Institute of Science in Society (n.d.) Mobile Phones and Brain Damage. Retrieved from: http://www.i-sis.org.uk/MPABD.php