Mobile phones are designed to use the lowest possible power to communicate with a base station, and the power is continuously varied depending on the call quality. There is consensus among these organisations that there is no substantiated scientific evidence of health effects from the low levels of EME generated by mobile phones that comply with national and international safety guidelines. Present scientific evidence does not indicate the need for special precautions for the use of mobile phones. However there are gaps in the knowledge that have been identified for further research to make better assessments of health risks. Telstra supports user choice and where people are concerned they are encouraged to use a hands free kit.
Mobile phones are particularly valuable in emergency situations.
Research by Professor Simon Chapman of the University of Sydney has shown that one in four people have used a mobile phone to report a dangerous situation. Mobile phones provide an important safety benefit to children who can use them in times of distress or an emergency situation. Mobile phones are not toys, and Telstra encourages parental supervision in the selection and use of mobile communication technologies for children. Since 1999, mobile phones sold in Australia display the Federal Government A-tick compliance sticker, usually found behind the battery. All new phones bearing this sticker comply with the EME safety standard.