Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 01:32 PM
By: Irene Preklet, with a report from The Canadian Press

Toronto - It seems that kids and cell phones go hand in hand these days - but parents might want to re-think how much they let their kids actually use the devices.

Toronto's public health agency had advised children and teens to limit their cell phone use until more is known about the potential health effects of them.

The Toronto Star said a report from the city's medical officer of health recommends that children, especially pre-adolescents should only use cells for essential purposes.

It also advises them to limit the length of cell phone calls and to use headsets or hand-free options whenever possible.

Some scientists point to studies that suggest possible effects of cell phone radiation warrants precaution with children.

Meanwhile those in the cell phone business have often said there are no health risks associated with cells.

Spokesperson for the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, Marc Choma, said "the science just does not show that there is a risk for any age group."

Since research on the subject is limited 680News found that people generally don't seem to be too concerned.

One girl said "I don't think it's that big, it's just like standing in front of a microwave - sometimes it could be a myth."

While another added "for the time being, lets keep using the cell phones and see what research yields."

Toronto's advisory follows similar ones introduced in England, Belgium, Germany, France and Russia.

http://680news.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20080712_093711_15672