According to a study by mobile services operator DNA, 75% of children in Finland between the ages of 6 and 12 have their own smartphones.
Smartphones emit more radiation than do basic talk-and-text cell phones since they generate radiation even when they are not actively being used. No data is available on what the daily level of radiation is that children are subject to from these devices, or how this radiation affects children in particular.
"Overall estimates concerning the current situation are not available. We do not know the impact, for example, of the levels of internet usage. This would be an interesting research subject," says Tommi Toivonen, Head of Laboratory at STUK's Department of Radiation Practices Regulation.
More specifically, the biological effects of this radiation on children are unknown.
"There is no evidence that it has any effect. But, on the other hand, there is no evidence to the contrary. There is no scientific evidence either way concerning detrimental effects lof ong-term or short-term exposure. More research is needed," Toivonen told Yle’s investigative programme MOT.
The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority STUK currently does not have the funds to carry out research into the subject itself. Its own radiation biology laboratory was closed to save money several years ago. Under a state productivity programme, this type of research was designated for a shift to university labs. Next year, STUK is scheduled to see a further 80% of its research budget cut.