Mobile phone: families ignore the rules of good practice

In view of the study carried out by the Familles Rurales association, specializing in consumer protection, the French still do not know the proper uses of the mobile phone. 6,700 volunteers were interviewed, ie 2,500 adults and 4,200 children. According to the results, the prevention campaign carried out by INPES on the good use of mobile phones 6 years ago does not seem to have convinced many families.

Exposure to waves as little as possible

In fact, only 1% of cell phone users say they have been informed of the existence of this campaign. This may explain why 55% of respondents admit not knowing the good uses of mobile. Of those who answered positively, 99% think that these are rules of good manners in society, such as avoiding calling a restaurant or not speaking too loudly on the train. Good practice is actually to expose yourself to radio frequencies as little as possible.

Avoid the telephone before the age of 14

The scientific proof of the dangerousness of electromagnetic waves on the brain is still debated. But associations are worrying more and more. This is why Rural Families reminds us of some recommendations from the Ministry of Health. They aim to protect children, adolescents and pregnant women. To do this, the association advises parents not to offer cell phones before the age of 14 in order to avoid any harmful effects on brain development. Of the 4,200 minors questioned, 38% had a phone before 14 years old and 31% before 12 years old, which is the age when we are in 6th year.

Using the hands-free kit

The hands-free kit remains, according to the Ministry of Health and Rural Family, the best way to guard against electromagnetic waves, whether to receive or to make calls. Unfortunately, 7 in 10 respondents use it rarely and 2 in 10 never. Three quarters of those questioned do not know what this kit is really for, that is to say to move the phone as far as possible from the consumer’s head. The association also advises to only telephone in a good reception area. Indeed, in the opposite case, the mobile seeks to connect to relay antennas and emits many more waves.