Cell phones emit low levels of radiofrequency radiation. A 1995 study showed that the smaller heads of five- and ten-year old children absorb more radiation from cell phones than adult-sized heads, and that the radiation penetrates further into the brain. Other studies show that heavy cell-phone users get more headaches and feel more fatigued than those who use them less. Sixteen studies sponsored by the cell-phone industry itself resulted in findings that need follow-up, a fact that cell phone manufacturers acknowledge to be true.

Given this state of uncertainty, scientists who have been studying cell phone radiation for years say that children should not use the phones. Why take the chance that years from now kids who used cell phones will develop tumors, or suffer other health effects? There are other, safe ways, like beepers, for parents to stay in touch with their children. Some manufacturers say they aren't really marketing the phones for use by children. Do they really expect us to believe that an adult will use a phone with a picture of Mickey Mouse on it? Because they refuse to admit the obvious, the Federal Communications Commission should either prohibit marketing of toy-like cell phones, or require that they carry a warning label.