NCJ Number
219009
Journal
Journal of Adolescence Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2007 Pages: 513-521
Date Published
June 2007
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Since the literature reports that adolescents' risky behavior is consistent with their risk perceptions, a self-report survey was conducted in order to assess French adolescents' (n=1,129) perceptions of physical and social risks related to their cell phone use.
Abstract
The finding that adolescents were keenly aware of the risks associated with cell phone use while driving was encouraging from a public health perspective. Public education about this risk, however, must be sustained for the benefit of future adolescent drivers. The adolescents were significantly less concerned, however, about microwave radiation from frequent cell phone use. The authors advise that children, adolescents, and their parents should be informed about the potential health risks associated with such radiation, in spite of the fact that the level of such radiation risk is still being debated. Adolescents with cell phones generally were aware of the social risks of using cell phones in the company of others in terms of its impoliteness and negative reactions. Gender, ethnicity, and age were not predictive of perceived risks of cell phone use. Level of schooling had a positive influence on perceived risks of cell phone use while driving and on social risks. The study was conducted in 2005 with a sample of 1,129 adolescents in 9 high schools and 1 university. Participants were randomly selected from four towns in southern France. The self-report questionnaire consisted of five questions on respondents' background characteristics, including possession of a cell phone. Twelve questions rated respondents' perceptions of the risk variables related to cell phone use. Level of risk for each variable was assessed with a five-point scale. 3 tables, appended questionnaire, and 32 references