Fair Use Statement

MESSAGE : Students warned about dangers from hand-held phones

Children in schools across Leicestershire could soon be told to hang up their mobile phones because of health fears.

And schools will be banned from having controversial mobile phone masts on their buildings if new council proposals are backed.

The moves are being considered in the wake of the Government-commissioned Stewart report that warned youngsters may be at risk from mobile phone radiation. The report found no clear evidence that using mobile phones was dangerous but it cautioned that youngsters were more vulnerable because they had thinner skulls and a developing nervous system.

County councillors will consider the proposals next week. This could spell the end for the burgeoning mobile phone culture in Leicestershire's schools and colleges.

Cabinet members will be recommended to back a policy to advise heads to discourage students from using mobile phones for non-emergency calls and for phoning friends during school hours. County Hall's leading councillors will also be asked to back plans for banning mobile phone masts on schools sites.

A county council spokesman said: "It is the responsibility of headteachers and governing bodies to determine policy on this in their own schools.

"However, the cabinet next week will be considering the latest health and safety advice in relation to the use of mobile phones by children.

"In terms of mobile phones masts, the approach taken by Leicestershire County Council has been to exercise caution. It will not accept new agreements for the construction of masts at schools and will bring existing arrangements to an end when the opportunity arises." In autumn, Leicester City Council is set to advise city schools on the potential dangers faced by students using mobile phones.

A city council spokeswoman said: "The advice recommends the use of land line phones wherever possible, although it will recognise that mobile phones can be useful in an emergency." The proposed clamp-down on mobile phones has been welcomed by schools. Maureen Cruickshank, principal of Beauchamp College, in Oadby, said: "Children should be sparing with mobile phones to save on their pockets and health."

Sally Cox, deputy head teacher of Guthlaxton College, in Wigston, said: "They can disrupt lessons and distract kids. And from a health point of view, they should be banned during school." There are currently 10 school sites in Leicestershire with mobile phone masts, including Fullhurst Community College, in Leicester.