Distance and Moderation

On BBC, I heard that CEOs at Silicon Valley don't give their children smartphones.  I wondered at the time what they know that the rest of the population doesn't know. Recently, the fog began to lift. The United Nations sent out a warning to parents. Several countries took it more seriously than others and passed legislation about the subject. 

  The problem is MWR or microwave radiation. This type of radiation is more readily absorbed by children than by adults. Children's skulls are thinner and their brain tissue softer and more absorbent than adults. Children's brains from five years up absorb twice as much radiation as adults. Below five years, the younger the child, the more radiation. Brain tumors often take thirty years or more to appear.  As smartphones and other wireless devices are new within the last decade, we might not know the full story for years. Furthermore, the bone marrow of children absorbs 10 times the radiation of adults!  In the unborn, this radiation can lead to damage in the protective sheath around brain neurons.

​Although the UN norms are advising no more than 30 minutes a day for TV, computers and smartphones for children under five, I would personally avoid these items altogether. UN norms advise no more than one to two hours for older children per day.  Although smartphones can be used for an occasional treat, many experts are suggesting nothing during the week and weekend use when all else is done. These devices should not be used as babysitters, and never in the child's bedroom. Smartphones continually emit radiation unless turned off.

  As if all this is not bad enough, many researchers who study MRIs are alerting the public that teenagers who use smartphones more than six hours a day actually become addicted. The brain itself is impacted and begins to look similar to the brains of those individuals who are addicted to heroine. These young people actually experience a high when using these devices and a depressive withdrawal when they are taken away.

  Children learn by interactions with others, bonding with parents, conversations. They must get a lot of practice reading other peoples' facial expressions and by physically exploring the world. Children who only communicate by electronics have weak people skills and can become detached from others' feelings. Every family needs to have a meal together each day in which positive communication, encouragement and happiness is the norm.. 

  When children do use these devices, as much physical distance from them is necessary as well as lots of good old-fashioned moderation.

Mrs. Sue Frasunkiewicz

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