The advent of prepaid phones, accounting for two-thirds of the UK market, has seen a huge growth in the numbers of phones in children's hands. Furthermore, a third of young adults aged between 16 and 20 prefer text messaging over all other means of written communication, according to a survey conducted last year by Mori for Vodafone. Handset makers claim, however, that they are not out to market to the under 16s, partly, says Vodafone, because of the health danger outlined in a government report. The Stewart report highlighted the increased health risks to children under 16 using mobile handsets and a circular sent to schools suggests that children below this age should be allowed to make calls only in emergencies. However, some see it as inevitable that children will be targeted through their mobile phones.
Children also stand to ben efit, particularly if their connection is internet enabled.
And teachers are already wise to texting and mobile email, using it to keep in touch with pupils. The Swedish government, which has already banned mobile ads aimed at children, is attempting to stop such advertising within the EU, a move that has little support in the UK, says Belcher. For children, the wireless web might prove to be tough to escape from, even if they wanted to.