13-year-old girl left with horr!fic burns on her neck after using her cellphone while it was charging

Using a device while it charges is not inherently unsafe, but it does increase certain risk factors:

1. Heat Buildup
Running apps, games, or video chat while charging causes the battery to work harder, raising temperature. Heat can weaken cables or create unstable electrical movement.

2. Cable Stress
If a child uses the phone while plugged in, the charger often bends, twists, or pulls at awkward angles. Over time, this can damage the internal wiring or reduce insulation.

3. Decline in Charger Quality
Many households use unofficial third-party chargers bought cheaply online. These may lack voltage regulation or proper grounding.

4. Conductive Jewelry
Necklaces, bracelets, headphone wires, or metal objects near the body can unintentionally conduct heat if a small electrical discharge occurs.

5. Wearing the Device Against the Skin
Holding a phone under a blanket, lying on top of it, or resting it against the neck while it charges reduces airflow and increases heat.

Individually, these factors might not cause issues, but combined, they increase the risk of electrical mishaps.

What Experts Say About Safe Charging Habits
Consumer safety organizations, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recommend several practical guidelines:

Use only certified chargers
Always choose accessories from the phone’s manufacturer or those with UL, CE, or FCC certification. Many cheap chargers online lack essential internal components that regulate electricity.

Don’t use visibly damaged cables
If the cord is frayed, bent, melted, or exposes metal wiring, it should be replaced immediately.

Avoid long gaming or video calls during charging
Light use is fine, but extended use can create temperature spikes.

Keep metal jewelry away from charging cables
Necklaces or bracelets can become unintended heat conductors.

Don’t charge in bed or under pillows
Soft materials trap heat and dramatically increase the temperature of both cable and phone.

Unplug once fully charged
Continuous charging generates unnecessary heat.