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Overhype

by Mike Masnick

Tue, Jan 11th 2005 1:45am





There's No Proof, But, Um, Kids Shouldn't Use Mobile Phones

from the so-they-say... dept

It seems that every few months we read reports saying that younger and younger kids are using mobile phones, and that has some people quite worried. A warning is going out, saying that young children shouldn't be exposed to mobile phones... but there's no reason given why. While "better safe than sorry" is a reasonable rationale for some, it doesn't seem all that convincing in this context. Basically, some researchers are saying that there's simply no evidence that mobile phones cause any harm, but, you know, just in case, keep them away from kids. The premise that more research needs to be done makes sense, but why raise such a big stink over something where there's simply no evidence one way or the other (or, actually, so much contradictory evidence that it's tough to make heads or tails of any of it)?

5 Comments | Leave a Comment

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  1.  
    identicon
    Gungla Boy, Jan 11th, 2005 @ 6:45am

    A few words about 'no evidence'

    DDT.
    Thalidomyde.
    Celebrex.
    Acutane.
    Lead Paint.
    Leaded gas.
    Asprin for children (Rhyes Syndrome).
    All these things appeared quite safe initially and were touted as harmless. A little research and time shows differently.
    When it comes to children's health and brain development, an overabundance of caution is definitely a good thing.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  2.  
    identicon
    Mikester, Jan 11th, 2005 @ 1:22pm

    Re: A few words about 'no evidence'

    Exactly. We have no idea what the long term effects are for those of us who are exposed daily to computers, cell phones, big screen TVs and other technologies.Hopefully William Gibson was wrong and will not end up being prophetic. Although (in some opinions) Johnny Mnemonic was a terrible movie, it has a strong message which has largely gone ignored.
    In the movie, NAS (nerve attenuation syndrome), a.k.a. the black shakes, is caused by technology overload.I suppose we'll all find out within the next 20 years, but by then, it will be too late.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  3.  
    identicon
    Natalie Talbot, Jan 25th, 2005 @ 7:20am

    Re: A few words about 'no evidence'

    I just want to know exactly what is Rhyes Syndrome, and what are the symptoms. Thank you!

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  4.  
    identicon
    pagla, Feb 19th, 2009 @ 4:25am

    limit of stupidity

    you all have crossed the limit of stupidity

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  5.  
    identicon
    bob, Jun 26th, 2012 @ 5:39pm

    Yes there is evidence!

    ...Dude there is a ton of evidence why kids shouldn't be allowed phones. They get distracted in class, play games and watch videos in class, cyber bully, take photos of things that invade others privacy. They can text each other in tests or exams for answers. Mate, how stupid are you!!!
    Next time think about it first.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]


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