Parents back mobiles for child safety

FOR many parents, being able to contact their child outweighs the health risks associated with mobile phones, a new study reveals.

It found 75% of parents consider mobiles important for their child's safety.

And almost half allowed their child to get a mobile phone primarily because of concerns for their safety.

Almost a third said they supported their children having a mobile because they "would be easy to contact".

Many parents who took part in the survey by the Irish parenting website, rollercoaster.ie, commented on how useful mobile phones are for pick-up arrangements.

Peer pressure was another reason why children want and need mobile phones and was the main factor influencing 5% of parents getting their children one.

One of the 220 parents who took part in the survey allowed her child to walk around the shopping centre while she bought the groceries because she knew he could be contacted on his mobile phone.

"I know that it will not stop something happening to him but I do feel it gives me a better level of comfort," she said.

The survey also found most parents are still concerned about the potential hazards posed by mobile phones. More than half of parents surveyed said they discussed the health risks with their child.

The study found more than 60% of parents believe it is acceptable for children as young as 11 years old to own a mobile phone and almost one-in-five thought it acceptable for seven to 10 year olds to own a mobile phone.

Just under 20% thought children should be over 15 years old before being allowed to own one.

Two parents said they thought it acceptable for children under the age of seven to have a mobile phone.

However, child psychologist and founder of rollercoaster.ie, Anne O'Connor, was concerned that some parents seemed to be comfortable with a seven year old having a mobile for their safety.

"Children of this age should never be left in unsupervised situations. Adults need to be close by these children," she said.

Ms O'Connor said parents also needed to be aware of the dangers of mobile phone use for young children.

"While many parents have taken on-board the possible health risks, they also need to consider the growing number of children who are experiencing bullying via the mobile phone and regularly check in with their children on this."

More than half of children spend €10 or less on mobile phones every month.

Just under 30% spend up to €20, and 7% spend more than €20.

Almost 90% of parents have opted for pay-as-you go phones for their children.

The survey also found that 39% of children used their phone predominantly to contact friends while 38% use it mainly to contact their parents.

The study also found that almost 10% of children use their phones mainly for games and ringtones.