HHS HealthBeat (January 26, 2009)

Walking, talking kids

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From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

When kids are on cell phones, are they also paying attention when they cross the street?

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham had 10- and 11-year-olds talk on cells with a research assistant while the kids crossed simulated streets in a computerized virtual reality environment.  The study found the conversations distracted the kids.

Researcher Despina Stavrinos:

[Despina Stavrinos speaks] ``They looked fewer times left and right, so their attention was worse when they were on a cell phone.’’

She says the kids also left less time between them and simulated traffic. Some kids could have been hit if the situation had happened in real life.

The researchers say kids should stay off the phone if they cross the street.

The study in the journal Pediatrics was partially supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: January, 27 2009