Mobile phone child health risk under investigation

A major investigation has started to analyse whether mobile phone usage has any impact on a child's mental development.

The study, which is funded by the government and industry, will track children aged between 11 and 12 years old. Starting in September 2014, the research will examine their cognitive ability including thinking skills, memory and attention tests, and then repeat them in 2017.

The age group is particularly important as many children get their first mobile phone when they start secondary school. 

It is the first research of its kind as very little is known about the impact wireless technologies could have on young brains, as the majority of studies have focused on adult participants.

Although no link has been made between mobile phones and health problems, children under the age of 16 are advised to limit usage to just essential tasks. It is often assumed that children's brains may be more susceptible as they are still developing, which the study will explore during the three-year period.

Lead investigator Dr Mireille Toledano said: "The advice to parents is based on the precautionary principle given in absence of available evidence and not because we have evidence of any harmful effects."

The research, led by Imperial College London, will examine whether children are harmed by asking them and their parents about their use of mobile phones and other wireless devices, such as tablets, as well as using data from operators.

More than 160 secondary schools in the outer London area will be invited to enrol their pupils into the study.

Dr Toledano said the fact that mobile phone usage is so widespread, means that research like that being carried out by Imperial College London is important to protect public safety.

She said: "As mobile phones are a new and widespread technology central to our lives, carrying out the study is important in order to provide the evidence base with which to inform policy and through which parents and their children can make informed life choices."