Ban on cell phones for under 18s?

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

The Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs is hoping to introduce a ban or implement strict regulations in 2008 over the use of mobile phones by youth under 18.

The main intention of bringing the ban is to minimize the misuse of mobile phones by youngsters and to minimize abuses through mobile phones Ministry Secretary Mrs. Indrani Sugathadasa said that although any legal documents have not been prepared, Minister Sumedha Jayasena has given directives to organize discussions with relevant authorities, including the Attorney General’s Department.

“Youth under 18 are very vulnerable. Many children and youth send SMSs which has a bad impact on language use and watching pornography through mobile phones is a great threat to their mental development. We also see many youngsters misusing camera phones Playing games through mobile phones ” she said.