Kids with phones face a different kind of danger on the street

Thinking about getting your child a cellphone? Then you should consider laying down some rules before you do. Most parents probably talk to their children about not going over their minutes or using their cellphone in class, but several studies highlighted by the Washington Post indicate that parents should also talk to their children about the dangers of talking on the phone while crossing the street.

That may seem like a no brainer, but a study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham says unintentional pedestrian injury is a leading cause of death in middle childhood. After finding out that one-third of children between the ages of 10-12 owned a cellphone, the university decided to test children in this age group in a virtual environment that simulated a street with traffic coming from both directions. Children practiced crossing the virtual street with and without phones, and those talking on the phone were more likely to get hit by a car.

Parents have argued that they only provide their kids with mobile phones for safety reasons, but it might be wise to first consider the risks before buying a young child a phone. Another point these researchers want to get across to parents is that they need to teach their kids not to use their phone when crossing streets or when they're behind the wheel.

Although the message is clear about cellphones here, the reality is kids today have plenty of other gizmos to distract them like iPods and gaming devices. I guess the best thing is to do is keep reminding kids that all those distractions can wait until they're safe at home.   

Kids With Cell Phones Not as Safe Crossing Streets (Washington Post)

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