Health expert Dr Archita Mahajan has cautioned parents against excessive mobile phone use among children, stating that radiation exposure may pose greater risks to developing brains.
Dr Mahajan, a Nutrition Dietitian and Child Care expert with a Master’s degree in Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Homeopathic Pharmacist, and trained Yoga Teacher, said recent research suggests that children’s skull bones are approximately 50 percent thinner than those of adults. Due to this underdeveloped skull structure, up to 80 percent of mobile phone radiation may reach a child’s brain during normal use.
While radiation levels emitted by smartphones are generally considered within safety limits for adults, children’s nervous systems are still developing, making them potentially more vulnerable to environmental exposures. Experts emphasize that growing brain tissue may absorb more radiation compared to fully developed adult brains.
Dr Mahajan stressed that frequent and prolonged smartphone use among children should be approached with caution. She advised parents to limit screen time and encourage safer usage habits to minimize direct exposure.
Safety Measures for Parents
Experts recommend several simple precautions to reduce potential risks:
- Encourage children to use speaker mode instead of holding the phone close to the head.
- Use wired headsets to keep the device away from the brain.
- Avoid long voice calls and promote texting or supervised use when necessary.
- Reduce overall daily screen time.
Dr Mahajan noted that small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce direct radiation exposure to a child’s developing brain.
She concluded by stating that while more long-term research is needed to fully understand the health effects of mobile phone radiation, balancing technology use with health awareness is essential for protecting the next generation. Monitoring how children use mobile devices can help support healthy brain development and reduce unnecessary risks.
