DECLAN CASHIN,
Sir, - It was with an increasing sense of unease that I read the article in your EL supplement of January 15th stating that 80 per cent of girls and 70 per cent of boys between the ages of 12 and 14 own a mobile phone. The article was flanked by pictures of girls as young as six talking on their own phones.
I am not passing judgment on parents who buy these items for children - that is their own decision. However, I would ask all parents to think about the implications of giving a child such a gift. Apart from the still uncertain health risks, bear in mind that children between six and 12 are still trying to learn and master literacy skills. Trying to command spelling and grammar will be surely hindered by the use of the abbreviations and icons which are the vocabulary of text messaging.
I also feel that owning mobile phones rushes children into adulthood. It makes them teenagers before their time. If we were really honest with ourselves, the majority of us would admit that we don't really need our mobile phones at all in our adult lives. Why on earth, then, would a six-year-old child need one? I would go as far as to suggest legislation for a minimum age limit on owning a mobile phone - 16, say?- Yours etc.,
DECLAN CASHIN,
Callan Road,
Kilkenny.