Parents are ignoringhealth warnings by allowing young children to use mobile phones, according to a leading expert. In his latest report, Sir William Stewart, head of the National Radiological Protection Board, says there is still no proof that mobiles are harmful, but nonetheless he recommends a precautionary approach because of the difficulties of assessing the impact of such a rapidly evolving technology. He points out that childrens' skulls are not fully thickened and their nervous systems not properly developed - any radiation from a phone will penetrate further into their brains. Sir William also calls for a review of the planning process for base stations and argues that mobile phone masts should not be sited near schools, saying he is now more concerned about possible health hazards than he was five years ago. According to the latest figures, one in four children between the ages of seven and ten, now owns a mobile phone.
Parents can help reduce the risks by chosing phones with a low emission rate or SAR - go to the Mobile Manufacturers Forum website for information on individual phones.
Do you think children under 8 should be allowed to use mobile phones? Tell us what you think by voting in our Tigerpoll.
Most working parents will be familiar with the problems of finding childcare to fit their needs. It is never going to be an easy choice but in this section we will guide you to resources which can help you to make an informed decision. For the arrangement to be successful, it is helpful to understand the rights and responsibilities of both carers and parents. We have identified the authoritative sources on the employment and regulation of child care.
Juliet Jones lives in domestic chaos with husband Steve, son Oliver (aged 5) and daughters Billie (aged 3) and Rosa (born 1 May 2003) in Hertfordshire.
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