Disturbing kid cell phone story

I bet a cell phone for tweens or teenagers was a big deal this holiday season! Please read this so you don't make the same mistake this family did!

FROM KMBC: Did your son or daughter get a new cell phone for Christmas? If so, you might want to take a good look at it. As more and more people become savvy about texting pictures and using the Internet, your child's new cell phone could lead them to some disturbing images.That's what apparently happened when a Missouri family bought their 13-year-old a new phone.

Of the 1.1 billion cell phones sold last year, who would've imagined this? "The file gave no warning of what was inside--a picture that appears to have been taken with a low resolution cell phone of a man masturbating."

Brett Duncan says he's been a T-mobile customer for over two years and is happy with his service, but he's not happy with the way the company handled his complaint. "The company offered to send Duncan a mailer and send him a new phone which he's declined. The image is attached to a T-mobile website -- the kind that stores photos that are e-mailed or sent as a text.

The company says it takes this very seriously and will be investigating and will be in touch with the customer directly. In the meantime, you might want to explore all the set-up options on your child's phone.

I have not decided yet when I will get my kids a cell phone. I honestly would like them to have some way to get a hold of me as soon as they start going to school full time. What if they miss the bus and no one is around to help? I know that sounds paranoid, but it does scare me.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online health care program My Methodist eHealth is a proud sponsor of this blog post. My Methodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record and more! Sign up for My Methodist eHealth by clicking here.

Child cell phone risk

Cell phone dangers by ABC:

A startling warning by a top cancer researcher has reopened the debate about a link between cell phones and cancer. 80% of U.S. households have at least one cell phone. But the head of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute has told his staff the phones pose a danger... especially if they are used by children.

The very public warning about cell phones is the first of its kind-- No other cancer research institution has gone this far. The director of the University of Pittsburgh's cancer institute states the data not yet published links "long-term cell phone use to possible adverse health effects including cancer." and he suggests children are most at risk.

Today the American Cancer Society said the warning was far too strong: Dr. Michael Thun said, "The part I have concerns about is the making public recommendations at this point when the scientific evidence is really very, very weak." There have been studies about cell phones and cancer around the world.

Just this year, the University of Utah looked at nine studies, thousands of brain tumor patients, and concluded "no overall increased risk of brain tumors." Studies in Norway and France reached similar conclusions.

But skeptics including this doctor at the University of Pittsburgh point to studies of long-term cell phone use, studies that are still underway. And they say that the early data does point to a potential risk. That risk comes from the electromagnetic radiation given off by cell phones
similar to but less powerful than a microwave.

They say it's enough of a danger to urge people to:

1.Use a headset..
2. the speakerphone.
3. and not to hold the phone right against your ear.

Brain surgeon Keith Black said he gives his own patients the same
advice: Dr. Keith Black from Cedars Sinai said, "There is a body of evidence that is beginning to show that there may be an association. So the cautious thing to do and certainly what I advise my patients and friends is to be cautious."

The American Cancer Society says being cautious is one thing, but maintains a public warning of this scope is overblown.

I use my cell phone a lot. That is the only way I get things accomplished. There were no cell phones when I was in school, so I have no idea if or maybe when my kids will get one. I would think I would limit their cell phone time. What do you think of this study? Will is change your cell phone habits or those of your kids?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here