If your child needs a mobile phone for safety reasons, it is probably best to limit phone use to emergencies. Because their brains are still developing, children and young people may theoretically be more vulnerable to developing tumours caused by microwave radiation. However, there is still no scientific proof that radio waves at the levels in mobile phones cause brain tumours so if your child has been using one, don't panic.

A recommendation by the British chief medical officer that children could be at risk is prudent, but gives a false impression that there actually is a proven danger. So far, two studies have shown no increase in tumour incidence in mobile phone users, though the tumours they get appear to be of a particular type and closer to the ear. A Canadian panel found no link between tumours and radio waves.

Until we see the results of international studies, currently under way, aimed at discovering a link, we just don't know. While the jury is out, parents may want to err on the side of caution.