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People power triumphs after Orange mast uproar
United Kingdom	Created: 10 May 2013
Mobile provider, Orange, have made a U-turn on their decision to switch OFF a Derbyshire Dales mast following uproar from customers. Residents of Monyash and surrounding areas were left without signal for weeks after Orange – who recently merged with T Mobile to become EE – decommissioned the transmitter on April 22. Sean Driscoll, who set up a Facebook group, called Orange Mast Switchoff, said: “They told me they switched it off as T-mobile was covering the same area, and since they have merged, this was no longer needed. The only reason most people in this area are with Orange are that they are the only network that works here. Only the orange mast was able to reach us. We currently have zero mobile coverage in Monyash area.” Another customer, Gina Bernhoeft, of Church Street, said: “My other half is a plumber and he relies on people calling him to book jobs. I am sure there are lots of other people in similar situations.” But yesterday, EE said they had made the decision to switch the transmitter back on permanently. A spokesperson for the company, said: “EE offers customers the UK’s biggest network. In some locations there are sites where mobile phone masts are duplicating coverage for the same customers. After switching off a mast in the Derbyshire Dales area however, our research showed that a small number of customers were adversely affected and the mast has therefore been restored. We apologise for any inconvenience this work has caused.” Responding to the news, Sean Driscoll posted on the Facebook group: “People Power! Anna has just had a phone call from Orange saying the transmitter has been switched back on, and is staying on!!! Good work.”
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Source: Derbyshire Times, 10 May 2013

Peregrine falcons delay mobile mast repairs
United Kingdom	Created: 10 May 2013
Repairs to a faulty mobile phone mast in Southampton have so far been thwarted by a pair of peregrine falcons thought to be nesting there. Some residents now say the problem is affecting their businesses as they struggle to get a signal on their phones. Experts have so far been unable to inspect the site, on top of a university building, because the birds are protected by law. (BBC video report on source page)
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Source: BBC News, 10 May 2013

T Mobile-funded study into mobile phone radiation ‘covered up’ to obfuscate profound health risks
United Kingdom	Created: 10 May 2013
You might be surprised to learn about what follows given the 13-year period since it should have been front page news. But with at least 5,000 studies now showing biological harm from electromagnetic radiation, this information is now more important than ever. In 2000 – the same year the Stewart Report was commissioned by the UK Government – T-Mobil in Germany (the parent company of T-Mobile – now EE) commissioned Germany’s ECOLOG Institute (a renowned independent research institute) to review all relevant research available at that time with regard to the health risks from mobile telecommunications. According to this article published by The Ecologist in 2007, what followed was a cover-up that would have otherwise have had investors and executives in mobile phone companies running for the hills. The ECOLOG Institute’s review of over 220 peer-reviewed and published papers found strong indications for the cancer-initiating and cancer-promoting effects of the electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phones. Experiments on cell cultures at power densities much lower than the present guidelines showed strong indications for genotoxic effects from these fields, such as single- and double-stranded DNA breaks and damage to chromosomes. The findings also revealed influences on cell transformation, cell growth promotion and cell communication and carcinogenic potentials, as well as teratogenic effects (birth deformities) and loss of fertility in animal studies. Disruptions to other cellular processes, like the synthesis of proteins and the control of cell functions by enzymes, were also found. Experiments on humans as well as animals showed harmful effects on the central nervous system, which ranged from neuro-chemical effects to modifications of the brain potentials and impairment of certain brain functions. Loss of memory and cognitive function, for example, were demonstrated in animal experiments. From experiments with human subjects who volunteered to be exposed to mobile phone radiation, clear evidence for influences on certain cognitive functions were shown. Other impacts on the brain included increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier to potentially harmful substances, which was observed in several experiments on animals exposed to mobile telephone fields. Not only that, but the ECOLOG report also found indications for disruptions to the endocrine and immune systems. Stress reactions were reported, showing up in an increased production of stress hormones and a reduction of the concentration of the hormone melatonin in the blood of exposed animals and humans. Melatonin has a key control function in the hormone system as well as in diurnal biological rhythms – it is also known to inhibit the development of certain tumours. A common observation in many of the studies was the importance of pulse modulation. Pulse modulated fields seemed to have a stronger effect than continuous fields and, in some cases, it was the pulse of a certain frequency which triggered the reaction, and the absence of pulse, or pulse of a different frequency, led to less significant effects or no effect at all. This is a particularly important point because Smart Meters use pulsed modulated frequencies – and one measured recently by Stop Smart Meters! (UK) pulsed over 43,000 times per day. Wifi-based gadgets and routers also use pulsed radiation. In conclusion, the ECOLOG report called for an immediate downward regulation of the power flux density that should be allowed by the guidelines, by a factor of 1,000. Despite these warnings, however, the UK’s “out of date” and “obsolete” standards continue to be used at levels which make no account for chronic exposures to sub-thermal radiation emissions which ECOLOG unequivocally reported as causing biological harm. If you are wondering why you are only just finding out about this study some 13 years after it was prepared by ECOLOG, one of the report’s authors has a view. According to Dr Peter Neitzke, a co-author of the eventual report, when T-Mobile realised that the research was going to produce potentially damaging results, the company commissioned three other studies which were more likely to show no danger from electromagnetic radiation. Dr Neitzke’s study was then only available in German until a copy was leaked to the Human Ecological Social Economic Project (HESE) Project in 2007, who subsequently had it translated. We’re reporting it now because we think this is still very big news. Please share it with others. You can download and print the Ecolog Institute’s report from 2000 here: http://www.hese-project.org/hese-uk/en/papers/ecolog2000.pdf. Our thanks for the efforts of the HESE Project. Read the Ecologist’s article here: “Mobile phone study covered up – The Ecologist“ Article link: http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/t-mobile-funded-study-into-mobile-phone-radiation-covered-up-to-obfuscate-profound-health-risks/
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Source: Mike/Agnes Ingvarsdottir

Navy sonar 'did cause mass dolphin deaths' say scientists who blame war games exercise off Cornish coast for strandings
United Kingdom	Created: 6 May 2013
The Royal Navy has been blamed for driving dozens of dolphins to an agonising death during anti-submarine war games. A four-year investigation by scientists has ruled out every other cause for the UK’s largest stranding of common dolphins in shallows off the coast of Cornwall in 2008. At the time, the area was hosting a week of ‘live fire’ war games involving 20 Royal Navy ships, helicopters and submarines – including the nuclear-powered sub HMS Torbay – as well as 11 foreign vessels. And scientists now believe trials of anti-submarine warfare techniques, using a range of mid-frequency sonar devices in the water to detect hidden vessels, were the most likely cause of the dolphins’ deaths. But despite calls from conservationists for military exercises now to be adapted to safeguard wildlife, the Navy has rejected the investigation’s findings. Mid-frequency sonar, which transmits pulses of sound just beyond the range of human hearing, has been associated with past strandings of marine mammals. The noise can cause hearing damage and scramble the dolphins’ sophisticated echo-location navigation system, driving them to shallow waters where they can suffer a slow and horrific death. The scientists’ findings, published in the journal PLOS One, follow post-mortems on 26 short-beaked common dolphins found beached in Falmouth Bay on June 9, 2008. Dr Paul Jepson of the Institute of Zoology, who led the research funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said that a group of up to 60 dolphins swam into the bay three or four days before the stranding, probably to escape the disturbance caused by the anti-submarine sonar. The expert said a second traumatic event, possibly from sonar or aircraft activity, on June 9 caused further agitation among the dolphin school, leading to the deaths of at least 26 that became stranded, mostly in an area called Porth Creek. ‘Eyewitnesses described their behaviour as swimming continuously in tight circles, being vocal, fluke-slapping, leaning sideways, and often with one or more individuals attempting to strand,’ reported Dr Jepson. A similar number of dolphins were saved by rescuers and herded back out to sea. Dr Jepson said the dead dolphins – all but five were infants – had been in good health and ruled out other potential causes of death. Please read more at link:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2319611/Navy-sonar-did-cause-mass-dolphin-deaths-say-scientists-blame-war-games-exercise-Cornish-coast-strandings.html
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Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir.

Physicist: I’m stopped from seeing my MP
United Kingdom	Created: 4 May 2013
A PHYSICIST from Teignbridge has accused his MP Mel Stride of blocking efforts to see him about matters of ‘industrial corruption.’ Barrie Trower, 68, from Liverton, claims he is being denied his democratic right to speak to the member for Central Devon about what he feels is a highly sensitive issue. He wants to discuss his concerns about alleged hann microwave irradiation from WiFi computers can have on the ovaries of young girls. Mr Trower, who used to teach maths and physics at Ashburton’s South Dartmoor Community College and has lectured intemationally on the hazard, fears that if no action is taken soon the UK could face a medical disaster on the scale of the thalidomide scandal of the 60s which resulted in the birth of thousands of malformed babies. A spokesman for the MP immediately rejected Mr T rower’s exclusion claim. He insisted Mr Stride was available to all his constituents. The spokesman revealed that Mr Stride had already met Mr Trower more than a year ago to listen to his anxieties which would be passed on to Whitehall. He added that Mr Stride was happy to receive an email or letter from Mr Trower to see if there was any more room for discussion on the contentious subject. Mr Trower demanded: ‘Why can’t I see Mr Stride face to face? He is my MP. It’s wrong that he should pick and choose who he sees and who he doesn’t see. ‘I think it’s because my science does not go down well with government policy. There is lots of money, business and lawsuits involved.’ He accepted that he had already spoken to Mr Stride nearly two years ago, but he had more facts available which he felt needed the ear of his MP. ‘There is a lot more which has come out since we last talked. It’s fresh information which can’t be put in writing. ‘It’s too sensitive because it involves industrial corruption,’ he said. He added: ‘It was two years ago that I last saw him, so my record shows that I am not a persistent time waster. But I have been told by Mr Stride’s office that if I don’t send a letter there will be no visit.’ A member of Mr Stride’s office said: Mr Trower has not been refused an appointment but, as with all requests for a surgery appointment, he has been asked to give us an idea of why he wishes to meet with Mel. ‘Unfortunately Mr Trower has refused to provide any infomiation at all stating that he will not discuss anything on the phone and will not write to Mel as “MPs have been known to leave letters in public places." ‘Mr Stride does not leave constituency correspondence in public places and if Mr Trower would like to write or phone and let us know what he wishes to discuss then we will of course do our very best to help him. ‘Mel holds regular surgeries, averaging one a week. He covers over 120 parishes across an area of 550 square miles. ‘He receives over 2,000 pieces of correspondence a month and sees all constituents who have an appropriate reason for meeting with him.’ Mr Trower said he would be writing to the parliamentary Ombudsman to express his annoyance and to Prime Minister David Cameron. ‘I was told last time my concerns would be passed on but there was no follow-up. Nothing happened,’ he said.
Source: Mid-Devon Advertiser, Paul James (sent via StopSmartMeters UK), 03 May 2013

18-feet-tall mobile phone masts can be installed without planning permission
United Kingdom	Created: 4 May 2013
Planning rules are to be relaxed to make it easier for telecommunication companies to install 18-feet-tall mobile phone masts. Under proposals set on Friday night, mobile phone masts that can be installed without planning permission is being increased from 12 feet to 18 feet. But ministers said they wanted to encourage mobile phone companies to install shorter masts with less capacity and shorter ranges, and to bring faster broadband speeds to rural areas. Planning minister Nick Boles said: “These proposed technical changes allow the new technology needed for improving mobile coverage and speeds for local residents to be installed in a way that ensures better use is made of existing infrastructure.” Campaigners said they were concerned. Adam Royle, CPRE spokesman: “CPRE fully support improving mobile communications in rural areas but we must do this in a way that safeguards our countryside and rural towns and villages – these changes could make it harder to achieve that balance. “Changing the planning rules in this way could allow the beauty of our countryside to be damaged piece by piece and view by view We will be scrutinizing every detail of these proposals.” A DCLG spokesman added: "Local communities will still be able to control where masts are best sited in a local area."
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Source: Telegraph, Christopher Hope, 03 May 2013

Government consults on changes to planning rules for mobile masts
United Kingdom	Created: 4 May 2013
Some 92% of individuals in the UK have a mobile phone, and 39% own a smart phone complete with mobile internet access, so the Government is keen to encourage improvements to the patchy mobile coverage around the UK. The latest move appears to be less about throwing small amounts of money at the problem, but more about changing the rules governing where and how big mobile masts can be. The press release is fairly spare on detail, meaning that to get a better idea of what is planned you should really read the full PDF that also includes the consultation questions which has a closing date of 14th June 2013 Proposal 1: On existing buildings and structures, increase the current permitted development height limit for antenna from up to 4 metres to up to 6 metres before the prior approval threshold applies under existing permitted development rights. This applies to land in non-protected areas only. Proposal 2: Increase the number of antenna systems allowed on buildings only applies to land in non-protected areas as permitted development. Proposal 3: Amend the definition of ‘antenna system’ to reflect mobile operators sharing of infrastructure. This applies to both land in non-protected and protected areas. Proposal 4: Amend part 24 of schedule 2 of the 1995 order to include and update definitions for ‘antenna’, to include the supporting structure, mounting, fixing and bracket. This applies to land in non protected and protected areas. Proposal 5: Wall mounted microcell antenna (of up to 0.5 metres2) on buildings or structures to have a permitted development right with prior approval – this applies to land in protected areas only. Proposal 6: Increase the total aggregated size limit of dish antenna on buildings as permitted development without prior approval. Applies to non-protected land only. Proposal 7: Clarification of the 1995 order that volume limits on the installation of radio equipment housing cabinet (mobile communications equipment) of up to 2.5 cubic metres are not cumulative: applies to non-protected and protected land. Proposal 8: That ancillary equipment is considered in totality as part of the communications development for planning purposes, with prior approval requirements (siting and design) retained for developments in protected areas. Applies to land in non-protected and protected areas. Proposal 9: Grant permitted development rights with prior approval (siting and design) for two specified changes to existing apparatus. Applies to land in protected areas. Proposal 10: Clarification that an agreed amendment between a mobile operator and local planning authority to an existing approved application does not require a fresh application. Applies to non protected and protected land. Proposal 11: Existing masts (on land in non-protected areas) can be increased in height from up to 15 metres to up to 20 metres and width by up to a third as permitted development with prior approval for siting and design. The two most obvious proposals that are likely to get noticed by most people are the changes to allow masts up to 6 metres tall without prior planning approval, and the option to allow existing masts that are 15 metre tall to be increased to 20 metre in height, the width changes also give more scope for extra antenna on a mast in addition to the space improvements that height alone gives. You may recall when the planning changes for broadband street cabinets was last discussed (consultation started Jan 2013 and ended at the end of March) that it was made clear that those changes did not apply to masts, now with this new consultation it is clear why, the plan was to split the issues apart. We suspect that this may have been because the issue of mobile masts creates a lot more angst in neighborhoods. In theory the changes should allow for better coverage from existing masts and changes to the microcell rules may help operators to eliminate the various not-spots that exist even in central London. The roll-out of 4G alone is just one element for improving mobile broadband, as it improves the efficient use of the radio spectrum, increasing the number of masts and capacity at each mast are also part of the equation. The UK currently has 57,018 mobile base stations (Openreach operates around 85,000 to 90,000 street cabinets as a comparison), ten thousand of these are masts under 15 metre in height, with another 1,000 between 15m and 20m in height. Ground based masts: 18,978 Microcells (e.g located on side of building): 5,542 Rooftop sites: 11,767 Street works (e.g. lamp posts): 8,259 Water towers, pylons and other third party structures: 12,472 Total: 57,018
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Source: ThinkBroadband, Andrew Ferguson, 04 May 2013

Big brother to switch off your fridge: Power giants to make millions - but you must pay for 'sinister' technology
United Kingdom	Created: 29 Apr 2013
Big brother to switch off your fridge: Power giants to make millions - but you must pay for 'sinister' technology · Computer chips will take control of home appliances when energy is low · Sensors will detect spikes in demand for power and when grid struggles to meet it, will temporarily shut off appliances · Can shut down supply without warning - or your consent. Fridges and freezers in millions of British homes will automatically be switched off without the owner’s consent under a ‘Big Brother’ regime to reduce the strain on power stations. The National Grid is demanding that all new appliances be fitted with sensors that could shut them down when the UK’s generators struggle to meet demand for electricity. Electric ovens, air-conditioning units and washing machines will also be affected by the proposals, which are already backed by one of the European Union’s most influential energy bodies. They are pushing for the move as green energy sources such as wind farms are less predictable than traditional power stations, increasing the risk of blackouts. Last night critics: · Condemned the principle that outside forces should be allowed to control appliances. · Warned the new sensors would add £40 to the average price of white goods for consumers. · Hit out at the energy giants who would make millions of pounds extra profit under the scheme, as it would save them from firing up reserve generators or paying factories to switch off furnaces to quell demand. There is no suggestion that consumers will be compensated for having their appliances shut down. The sensors will automatically detect spikes in demand for power that the grid is struggling to meet, and temporarily shut off the appliances. Viktor Sundberg, energy strategy manager at Electrolux, warned: ‘This is Big Brother technology on a grand scale. The device inside the fridge or freezer will automatically change the way the appliance operates in response to the output of the grid. ‘This method of shutting down household appliances could to be carried out almost instantly, saving the energy companies millions because they won’t have to start up the turbines or pay huge industrial companies to cut production. Consumers are not benefiting at all and will be left paying more when they buy the appliances, as well as having their private goods controlled by outside forces.’ David Davis, the former Tory leadership candidate, said: ‘There is a Big Brother element to this – and it also shows the energy suppliers passing down their incompetence to the customers. They should be supplying energy as customers need it, not the when they want to give it. ‘There is something Soviet about this. It’s a ridiculous idea and it should be opposed. I hope the Government puts its foot down.’ Nick Pickles, director of civil liberties group Big Brother Watch, said: ‘This sinister plan smacks of over- the-top intrusion into people’s houses. It should be the choice of consumers if they want to sign up to it, not slipped into our homes through fridges and freezers.’ The National Grid – a private company that made £2.6 billion profit in 2011 – is required by law to balance supply and demand in the network. However the EU has set a target that 20 per cent of all electricity will be generated from green sources by 2012 – but these are unreliable, making the task more difficult. The solution proposed by the National Grid, along with its counterparts in 34 European countries, is to install the controversial devices. The National Grid supplies alternating current to homes at 240V and an frequency of 50 hertz (Hz). But because electricity cannot be stored in bulk, there are fluctuations in this. When demand starts to outstrip supply, the frequency drops – when there is more power than needed, it rises. Sensors in domestic appliances would check this frequency every 0.2 seconds, and if it fell to 47Hz – a level that would risk blackouts – the devices would kick in and shut fridges, freezers and ovens down. Across millions of homes, this would cut demand significantly and so restore the balance. The sensors could also be used if supply of electricity outstripped demand, putting power stations in danger of ‘tripping’ and shutting down temporarily. If the frequency of the supply nudged towards 52Hz, the devices could make fridges become cooler, increasing demand and balancing out the system. The move comes on top of separate initiatives to put ‘smart meters’ for gas and electricity in all British homes by 2019, giving energy firms real-time information on individual households’ usage. The proposals were contained in a 63-page document drawn up by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E). It has been agreed by the EU-wide body of energy regulators and was sent to the European Commission on March 27. It is set to deliver its verdict on the proposals within three months, and they could then go to the European Parliament to be turned into legislation that would force manufacturers to install the monitors. Appliances containing the sensors could be in shops within three years. In its proposal, ENTSO-E stressed that shutting off appliances would only be a last resort, but admitted it could happen. It argued: ‘The accumulated effect of switching off a large number of temperature-controlled devices will give a substantial reduction of load in the system. ‘In this way it should be able to prevent large scale blackouts.’ The authorities insist appliances would only cut out for a few seconds, and that consumers will be able to set acceptable temperature ranges so fridges would not be switched off if they were already warm, and therefore food would remain fresh. But if ovens are switched off temporarily, it could affect the cooking time of meals. Presently, the National Grid can shut down power to industrial firms to balance the grid. They are compensated in such cases, but there is no proposal to pay consumers if they face similar interruptions. Experts believe household bills would not be affected because the scheme would just alter the time at which appliances are used, not their total energy consumption. Adam Scorer, of Consumer Focus UK, said: ‘There is a lot more work that needs to be done before these proposals become acceptable for consumers. The costs and benefits need to be clear, the right consumer protections in place, people’s privacy assured and arrangements made so that consumers get paid for any services they provide to networks.’ Consumer groups throughout Europe have expressed ‘serious concern’ in a letter to ENTSO-E. A spokesman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change admitted last night that the Government was unsure how the new technology would work. He said: ‘There could be benefits to consumers, it could open up new ways to save on energy bills, but we also need to consider all other factors before responding to the Commission.’ A spokesman for National Grid said: ‘One of the proposed requirements is for a limited number of [future] temperature controlled devices such as fridges and freezers to have the capability to assist the real time balancing of electricity supply and demand by automatically switching off devices for short durations. ‘This should result in benefits to consumers as it will lead to a reduced requirement for additional back-up electricity sources. ‘It will have no material impact on the operation of fridges and freezers switching will be for a few seconds and only occasionally. ‘Consumers’ produce will remain cool in their fridges and frozen in their freezers.’ By Russell Myers and Martin Beckford. The Sunday Mail
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Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir.

British families at risk from smart meters, campaigners tell MPs
United Kingdom	Created: 25 Apr 2013
Smart energy meters offered to every British home could be as dangerous as a "bullet from a rifle" because of the radiation they emit, campaigners have told MPs. Officials said smart meters are perfectly safe, as the level of radiation they emit is less than that of a mobile phone. Energy companies are planning to install the devices in British homes by 2019 to make gas and electricity readings more accurate. However, Stop Smart Meters UK told MPs that there is evidence the radiation could be 140 to 800 times higher than that from mobile phones. Dr Liz Evans, a campaigner, said there are hundreds of studies showing "evidence of harm could be acute", including possible "chronic effects from long term exposure such as cancer, infertility, dementia, genetic damage, immune system dysfunction and damage to foetuses". "We are many of organisations calling for a precautionary approach, particularly for children," she said. Mike Mitcham, another campaigner, said there is evidence that it could be 140 to 800 times more powerful than mobile phones. He said the exposure to radiation from smart meters is "very short in the same way a a bullet from a rifle your exposure to that is very shortlived for that tiny fraction of a time that it enters the body". Tim Yeo, the MP who chairs the committee, said the comparison was "ridiculous", adding: "You can't be suggesting there is similarity from the effect of a bullet from a rifle and the effect of a smart meter?" "Why not?" said Mr Mitcham, arguing that radiation from smart meters could also seriously harm people. Dr Jill Meara, who works for Public Health England, said she is "clearly aware of all the concerns expressed around the world" but cited a "substantial body of evidence" showing smart meters are safe. She said radiation from smart meters is very low compared to guideline levels. Dr John Swanson, of the Biological Effects Policy Advisory Group, said the health effects of smart meters should be closely monitored, but said the evidence shows they are safe. Last year, the Government revealed that having smart meters would be voluntary amid health and privacy fears. Ministers had promised that every household would have a smart meter by 2019 in a £12 billion programme to stop gas and electricity bills being estimated. In America, utility companies have been hit with multi-million dollar class action lawsuits from people who have had the devices installed in their homes.
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Source: Telegraph, Rowena Mason, 24 Apr 2013

"Wireless?" Computer kids: Does your child need a digital detox?
United Kingdom	Created: 24 Apr 2013
Addiction to computers can affect youngsters both physically and mentally. But one doctor helps screen addicts as young as four to break the habit Not so long ago, my daughter trailed into the sitting room and thrust her iPod Touch into my hands. “What is it now?” I demanded wearily. “Do you want me to update it or reboot it or pay for more apps involving panicky little men pursued by angry monkeys? Because, really, you spend far too much time – ” And then I caught sight of her pale face and noticed her air of droopiness. “Please take it away,” she said. “It’s making me depressed. If I’m on it for too long, I feel really sad. I don’t know why, but I do.” I tell this story not by way of self-congratulation at my child’s emotional intelligence. Quite the reverse – I feel ashamed that I allowed my 10-year-old to be glued to a screen for so long that it actually made her miserable. I wouldn’t allow her to sit in front of the television for that long without sticking my head around the door to vet what she was watching. When she was holed up in her bedroom, though, I knew she might be using her gadget – but surely not for the whole time? So news that “iPad addiction” has been identified among children as young as four struck an uncomfortable chord with me. It was reported recently that a young girl who was using a computer for “three or four hours a day” apparently became “distressed and inconsolable” when the device was taken away and she was signed up for compulsive behaviour therapy by her parents. Obviously, some children find themselves more deeply hooked than others, but surely talk of “addiction” is just the medicalisation of what is simply a symptom of slack parenting? We’re all guilty of treating Mummy’s smartphone as a babysitter. Daddy’s tablet is a godsend on a rainy day. The toddler can be kept amused on a potty with an iPad. But four hours must constitute child abuse. Middle-class adults who wouldn’t dream of allowing a television in their child’s bedroom have no qualms about a state-of-the-art PC, even though their child could watch TV on it or surf for porn (a study last year showed that 22 per cent of 11-year-olds know how to bypass parental controls). Of course, any four-year-old, or indeed 14-year-old, will throw a strop if their favourite toy is removed. But according to the experts, young people’s obsession with smartphones and tablets goes deeper. So unless parents wake up to the fact that our responsibility for our children extends to the virtual world, we are doing them a grave disservice. “Younger and younger children are more engaged with technology and the internet and we need to be mindful of that and set boundaries from the beginning of life, really,” says child psychiatrist Dr Richard Graham, who established Britain’s first technology addiction programme at the Capio Nightingale Clinic in London (and treated the four-year-old girl), three years ago. In these tranquil, discreet London environs, the young people admitted for a £16,000, 28-day digital detox regime are immensely troubled. They are the extreme cases; teenagers who have dropped out of school, who no longer interact face to face but channel all their energies into the online community. “There are a couple of cases I have been involved in where parents tried to restrict their teenager’s access to devices and were met with such violence that the police had to be called,” says Dr Graham. “When a young person perceives that online is the only place they feel good, it’s not surprising that they feel upset and aggressive when they are suddenly forced to cut all ties with their digital self, in which they have invested so much. “Some young people are wedded to their consoles because online they can achieve considerable success in games and gain status, yet they are unable to leave the house to go to the corner shop, so we have to focus on getting them to accomplish very ordinary things.” There are complex issues to deal with: sustained peer pressure, cyberbullying, competition over who has the most friends on Facebook or who is scoring highest in a game. Moreover, online, social interactions that would previously have taken place privately are instead played out in a very public forum, so those who are excluded are made keenly aware of it. Our children belong to a generation who might look before they cross, but don’t think before they post. Taking stock and analysis of any sort are the very antithesis of the instant messaging culture. Moreover, the sheer, fast-paced insatiability of social networking sites, which makes them so exciting, also creates a pressure to keep up and contribute, however banal or toe-curling the contribution. As the UK’s first youth crime commissioner, Paris Brown, discovered, those often unedifying messages can come back from the depths of cyberspace to haunt their author. Brown, 17, resigned six days after her appointment, following the discovery of tweets she posted between the ages of 14 and 16 that could be considered racist and anti-gay. It’s a cautionary tale that should be told to every child before they sign up to Facebook – that, and the fact that Facebook Depression is now a recognised condition. But it’s not just their future career prospects that could be placed in jeopardy; their health, too, is at risk. By the age of seven, a child born in Britain today will have spent an entire year (8,766 hours) of their lives looking at TV, computer and game console screens. By 13, it will be three whole years. A string of published studies suggests links between prolonged screen time – ergo extended inactivity – and serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. “There are physical and physiological effects from misuse of screens,” says leading psychologist Dr Aric Sigman. “Apart from the fact that too much screen time means kids are sedentary, tests have shown that being online raises blood pressure. “There is also an increase in the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which is a component of the brain’s reward system.” Dopamine is produced in response to novelty and is also a motivational chemical that encourages an individual to repeat actions, hence it is implicated in addictive behaviour and in poor attention spans. “It’s easy but too simplistic to blame parents if their children overuse screens,” says Sigman. “There’s a misapprehension that as long as an activity is 'educational’, it’s fine. But using a screen comes into the category of 'consumption’, and whether it is chocolate or broccoli or Facebook, adults need to control kids’ consumption.” Baroness Greenfield, the eminent neuroscientist, has already called for studies to be made into the impact of repeated use of computer games and social network sites on the development of children’s brains. “The environment of children has been changed in an unprecedented way in the past 10 years, and we need to know whether it is affecting them,” she urged, while emphasising she did not intend to scaremonger. “The job of scientists like myself is to put their heads out of the lab door and engage with the real world.” To put their heads out of the lab door, scientists must first, of course, tear themselves away from their computers. It isn’t just children who are mesmerised by screens. Over at the Capio Nightingale Clinic, Dr Graham has some tough words for parents seeking to curb their kids’ Instagram habit. “This issue isn’t about reducing our children’s access,” he stresses. “Adults need to be modelling a healthy balance and stop themselves constantly checking their own devices for emails and texts.” Wise if unwelcome advice. I’m surely not the only mother who prefers the “do as I say, not as I do” school of parenting, as I secretly text under the table. By Judith Woods. The Daily Telegraph
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Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir.

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