Epidemiological Characteristics of Mobile Phone Ownership and Use in Korean Children and Adolescents

• Published in: 환경독성보건학회지, 28(0) pp. 1 - 9
• Main Authors: 변윤환, 하미나, 권호장, 최경화, 범은애, Yeyong Choi, 임명호, Seung Jin Yoo, 백기청, 최형도, Nam Kim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 환경독성보건학회 01.05.2013
• Subjects: 기타의약학
• ISSN: 2093-6400

Objectives As public concern on possible harmful effects of mobile phone in children hasbeen raised, information of epidemiological characteristics of mobile phone use in childrenand adolescents will be essential for public health policy. Methods Using three databases (n=21,693) collected from 2008 to 2011, we examinedcharacteristics of mobile phone ownership and use, and socioeconomic positions (SEP)in Korean children and adolescents. Results The ownership rate and the amount of mobile phone use were higher in femalesthan males, in higher school grades than lower grades, and at 2011 than 2008. The averageage of first mobile phone ownership was shown to decrease from 12.5 years in currentlyhigh school students to 8.4 years in currently elementary school students at 2011. Morethan 90% of children in the 5th grade owned a mobile phone. More children owned a mobilephone in lower SEP communities than in higher SEP. Children with parents educatedless than those with parents educated more were more likely to own and use mobile phone. Conclusions Considering the epidemiological characteristics of mobile phone use, precautionarymeasures to prevent unnecessary exposure to mobile phones are needed in childrenand adolescents. KCI Citation Count: 0