Safe Technology in School Communities
Resources
Simple Tech Safe Solutions in Schools
by Doug Wood
Our children need protection from environmental toxins such as wireless, microwave radiation. Emerging science highlights how cumulative radiation is an emerging public health issue. Doug Wood, Director, Grassroots Environmental Education, including Safe Tech Schools, effectively addresses the adverse health effects and offers practical solutions that can be implemented in any school setting. In addition, the FDA must take action to
reduce RF radiation in school classrooms!
We invite you to sign this petition.
Wi-Fi in Schools, is it Safe?
by Dr. Magda Havas
Dr. Magda Havas, tests our knowlege through a true and false video which helps us discover the differences between Wi-Fi routers used in schools and those in homes. Explore studies documenting the adverse effects of this radiation on rats, blood cells, heart health, and cancer risk. Learn about cost-effective, energy-efficient alternatives to wireless routers that eliminate harmful microwave radiation. (Dr. Havas, Professor Emerita, Trent University, environmental toxicologist, 45 years)
Safe Tech in Schools
by Cece Doucette
Co-Host, Shelley Wright
Until the wireless industry is made to compete on safety, learning to protect ourselves, our children and our communities falls squarely to us as parents, teachers and staff.
Shelley Wright, Director, Canadian Educators for Safe Technology
Intentional and Balanced
Technology in Schools
By Sophie Winkleman
The pendulum has swung to over-reliance on digital tools, decreased face-to-face interaction, and potential distractions. Technology may hinder deeper learning and critical thinking skills.
Smartboards are radiation emitting, and are simply not as effective as a teacher. Education can prioritize hands-on learning and human interaction.
Why the rush to remove human beings from the learning experience...when millions should be spent on teachers, more recruitment, training and support?
Alliance for Responsible Citizenship
Student, Teacher & Staff Testimonies
Student and teacher testimonies reveal the profound challenges that medically vulnerable individuals face in EMR-RF school environments. Adverse symptoms (see Health Effects) can persist for hours, days, or even result in permanent injuries, such as cardiac events (e.g., stroke or heart failure). Exposing students and teachers who experience mild to severe EMR-RF-induced injuries to intentional and unnecessary EMR-RF emissions may be both unethical and discriminatory.
Inclusive practices, such as implementing wired technology, reducing RF exposure, and using airplane mode, are not only achievable but also offer superior connectivity. While individual tolerance levels vary, ambient RF levels around 40-50 µW/m2 are sometimes tolerable. However, levels exceeding 50 µW/m2, especially those nearing 100 µW/m2, can be debilitating for some vulnerable people. (*µW/m2 - microwatts per meter squared, with the superscript 2)
By adopting RF-reduced, digital wellness practices (see Solutions), schools can create inclusive, safer learning environments. These strategies support the well-being of all students and staff, fostering optimal learning environments which create ideal conditions for education and growth.
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Websites
Schools:
Tech Safe Schools: https://www.techsafeschools.org/
Safer Screen Time Course, Healthier Homes, Schools, Communities, Workplaces: https://www.safertecheducation.org/
Environmental Health Trust: https://ehtrust.org/
Safe Tech Printable Resources: https://ehtrust.org/resources-to-share/printable-resources/
Environmental Health Trust:
https://ehtrust.org/key-issues/cell-phoneswireless/wifi-in-schools/
Massachusetts for Safe Technology: https://www.ma4safetech.org/
Raising Awareness About Digital Dangers (RAAD): https://www.raadd.ca/
Parents:
Frazer Health Recommendations and Brochures for screen time.
Physicians for Safe Technology: https://mdsafetech.org/
Baby Safe Project: https://www.babysafeproject.org/
Baby Safe Project: https://www.facebook.com/babysafeproject/
Hand-out for pregnant moms: https://www.babysafeproject.org/_files/ugd/2cea04_4a15833b926d4ffb8176d985590c4743.pdf
Masschsetts 4 Safe Technology: https://www.ma4safetech.org/
Education Services Director: Safer Tech Education: https://www.safertecheducation.org/
Expert Forum on Wi-fi in Schools: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMAz9ZRXjYmoFALTKtCDXwmB7L9Emigcc
Mental Health:
Raising Awareness About Digital Dangers (RAAD): https://www.raadd.ca/
Unplugged Canada:https://unpluggedcanada.com/
Safe Tech at Home:
https://ehtrust.org/safe-technology/
Mental Health Interventions:
Dr. Ponti, Chair of the Digital Health Task Force for the Canadian Paediatric Society: provides recommendations on screen time in young children 0-5 years and is currently examining the health effectts of screen media use in school-age children and adolescents.
Videos
Dr. Paul Héroux, BSc, MSc, PHD
Associate Professor, McGill University, Faculty of Medicine
Vice-Chair, International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (ICBE-EMF.org)
Scientist with experience in physics (BSc, MSc and PhD), engineering (15 years), and the health sciences (30 years).
Research: Institut de Recherche d'Hydro-Québec in Varennes, Québec, internationally reputed electro-technical laboratory.
Biology, Medicine, Public Health: Appointed Associate Professor at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and also Medical Scientist in the Department of Surgery of the McGill University Health Center.
Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum, PhD, DABT, ATS
Scientist Emeritus and Former Director, NIEHS and NTP
Scholar in Residence, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, June 2023
Science on the health effects of wireless radiation, Environmental Health News
Scientific Publications
This is a curated collection of scientific, peer-reviewed publications addressing the harms associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and practical solutions to mitigate their impact. The studies provide evidence-based insights into the biological effects of EMF exposure, including its potential impact on human health, and explore strategies for safer technology use. Topics include the effects of EMFs on cellular functions, neurological health, and environmental systems, as well as innovative approaches for reducing exposure through policy, education, and technology design.
Impact of Screen Time on Human Development, Behaviour, and Productivity:
Reconnect Webinars Fact Sheet provides a summary of evidence-based research on the impact of technology on human development, behaviour, and productivity. https://movingtolearn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Fact-Sheet-Reconnect-Webinars-Research-updated-Sept.-24.pdf
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends:
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For children under two years old screen time is not recommended.
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For children two to five years old limit recreational screen time to less than one hour a day.
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For children older than five limit recreational screen time to less than two hours a day.
https://cps.ca/uploads/about/ScreenTimePoster-EN.pdf
Associations between digital media use and brain surface structural measures in preschool-aged children: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20922-0#citeas
Screen use during infancy may contribute to variations in neural activities implicated in the development of high-order cognitive skills. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9887532/
Screen-time is associated with inattention problems in preschoolers: Results from the CHILD birth cohort study https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6469768/
Authors identify "early and excessive exposure to screens" (EEES) as a syndrome in young children, causing attention, language, and motor skill issues, which may improve if screen time is reduced early. https://shs.cairn.info/article/E_DEV_202_0119?lang=en
Early-Childhood Tablet Use and Outbursts of Anger https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2822089
The impact of parent and child media use on early parent-infant attachment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773012/
Screen time disrupts essential parent-child interactions vital for infant development; stronger public health campaigns, tech regulation, and support from child-care professionals are needed to address this issue. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/29/digital-technologies-social-media-babies-marketing/
Children's Vulnerabilities to Wireless Radiation:
Devra Davis, Linda Birnbaum, Paul Ben-Ishai, Hugh Taylor, Meg Sears, Tom Butler, Theodora Scarato, Wireless technologies, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and children: Identifying and reducing health risks. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, Volume 53, Issue 2, 2023,101374, ISSN 1538-5442, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1538544223000238)
Fernández, A.A. de Salles, M.E. Sears, R.D. Morris, D.L. Davis. (2018). Absorption of wireless radiation in the child versus adult brain and eye from cell phone conversation or virtual reality, Environmental Research, Volume 167, Pages 694-699, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118302561
Sage C, Burgio E. (2018). Electromagnetic Fields, Pulsed Radiofrequency Radiation, and Epigenetics: How Wireless Technologies May Affect Childhood Development. Child Dev.;89(1):129-136. doi: 10.1111/cdev.12824. Epub 2017 May 15. PMID: 28504324.
Hedendahl LK, Carlberg M, Koppel T, Hardell L. (2017). Measurements of Radiofrequency Radiation with a Body-Borne Exposimeter in Swedish Schools with Wi-Fi. Front Public Health. Nov 20;5:279. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29214149/
Morgan, L., et al. (2014). Why Children Absorb More Microwave Radiation than Adults: The Consequences. Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure 2(4):196-204. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213879X14000583
Om P. Gandhi,L. Lloyd Morgan, et al. (2012). Exposure Limits: The underestimation of absorbed cell phone radiation, especially in children. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, Vol. 31 Pages 34-51, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/15368378.2011.622827
Kheifets, L., et al. (2005). The Sensitivity of Children to Electromagnetic Fields. Deventer Journal of Pediatrics 116(2):303-313. (2005). https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/116/2/e303/62886/The-Sensitivity-of-Children-to-Electromagnetic?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Adverse, Biological Effects:
Bio-Physics Explanation of Health Effects (Mitochondria Impacts):
Paul Héroux, PhD. (2025). The Collision Between Wireless and Biology. Heliyon.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42267
Davis et al. (2024). Microwave/Radiofrequency Radiation and Human Health: Clinical Management in the Digital Age. Integrative Environmental Medicine, https://academic.oup.com/book/24751/chapter-abstract/188266890?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Lai, H. and Levitt, B. (2022). The roles of intensity, exposure duration, and modulation on the biological effects of radiofrequency radiation and exposure guidelines. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, pp 230-255. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15368378.2022.2065683
Henry Lai. (2021). Genetic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 40:2, 264-273, DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2021.1881866. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15368378.2021.1881866
Panagopoulos et al. (2021) Human-made electromagnetic fields:Ion forced-oscillation and voltage-gated ion channel dysfunction, oxidative stress and DNA damage. International Journal of Oncology. Article: 92. https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijo.2021.5272
TEDx with Dr. Devra Davis: Similarities between Sperm + the Brain. (2022). https://airestech.com/blogs/optimal-health-performance/tedx-with-dr-devra-davis-similarities-between-sperm-the-brain?srsltid=AfmBOooo-yznDzPtJMOrT53gYvCXWUDHD7I-A_kHO_hLvlhQ8VAtNVdb
Frank Clegg, Marg Sears, Marg Friesen, et. al. (2020). Building science and radiofrequency radiation: What makes smart and healthy buildings? Building and Environment, Vol. 176. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132319305347
Miller, Sears, Morgan. (2019). Risks to Health and Well-Being From Radio-Frequency Radiation Emitted by Cell Phones and Other Wireless Devices. Frontiers Public Health.Vol.7. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00223/full
Belpomme, Hardell, et al. (2018). Thermal and non-thermal health effects of low intensity non-ionizing radiation: An international perspective, Environmental Pollution, Vol. 242, Part A. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749118310157?via%3Dihub
Pall, M. L. (2024). Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations. Brain Sciences, 14(5), 454. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/5/454
Cell Phone Risks:
Devra L Davis , Aaron M. Pilarcik, et al. (2020). Increased Generational Risk of Colon and Rectal Cancer in Recent Birth Cohorts under Age 40 – the Hypothetical Role of Radiofrequency Radiation from Cell Phones. Annals of Gastroenterology and Digestive Disorders, Somato Publications, ISSN 2643-2609. https://www.somatopublications.com/increased-generational-risk-of-colon-and-rectal-cancer-in-recent-birth-cohorts-under-age-40-the-hypothetical-role-of-radiofrequency-radiation-from-cell-phones.pdf
Gamze Altun, Ömür Gülsüm Deniz, et al. (2018). Effects of mobile phone exposure on metabolomics in the male and female reproductive systems. Environmental Research, Vol.167, pp 700-707. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118300999
Ahmad Yahyazadeh, Ömür Gülsüm Deniz, et al. (2018). The genomic effects of cell phone exposure on the reproductive system. Environmental Research, Vol.167, pp. 684-693. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118302639
Smith-Roe, et al. (2019). Evaluation of the genotoxicity of cell phone radiofrequency radiation in male and female rats and mice following subchronic exposure. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/em.22343
Carlberg, M., Hardell, L. (2017). Evaluation of Mobile Phone and Cordless Phone Use and Glioma Risk Using the Bradford Hill Viewpoints from 1965 on Association or Causation. Biomed Research International. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2017/9218486/
E. Markovà, L.O.G. Malmgren, et al. (2010). Microwaves from mobile phones inhibit 53BP1 focus formation in human stem cells more strongly than in differentiated cells: possible mechanistic link to cancer risk, Environ Health Perspect, 118 (3) (2010), pp. 394-399, 10.1289/ehp.0900781 https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.0900781
Brown Robert R. , Biebrich Barbara. (2025). Hypothesis: ultrasonography can document dynamic in vivo rouleaux formation due to mobile phone exposure, Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, Vol.12. DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2025.1499499
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2025.1499499
Key findings:
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Post-cell phone exposure ultrasound imaging revealed significant aggregation of red blood cells in the veins of a volunteer.
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Rouleaux formation, while reversible, may reoccur often given our constant use of cell phones, and may potentially increase the risk for conditions such as pulmonary embolism, micro-infarcts, stroke, and heart attacks, particularly in vulnerable individualls.
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This study was done in vivo using ultrasonography, a widely available and reliable diagnostic tool routinely used for the evaluation of blood vessels.
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"Our findings make it clear that, at least in some people, cell phone radiation can lead to observable changes in blood, with potential risks such as reduced oxygen delivery and an increased risk for developing blood clots," Dr. Brown said.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001393512200648X?via%3Dihub
Tablet Risks:
J. B. Ferreira, Á. Salles, (2015). Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in the head of Tablet user's, Semantic Scholar, Engineering Medicine. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Specific-Absorption-Rate-(SAR)-in-the-head-of-Ferreira-Salles/63e3a8025d76df1c648c9167cc38aaeeb7ee8928
Energy Consumption of Wireless vs Wiser Wired:
Baliga, J., Ayre, R., Hinton, K., and Tucker R. (2011).Energy Consumption in Wired and WirelessAccess Networks. IEEE Communications Magazine, 49, no. 6: 70–77. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5783987
Martin L. Pall (2018). Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health. Environmental Research. Vol. 164. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935118300355
Health Guidelines vs. Current Science; Are Biological Impacts Fully Addressed?:
ICBE-EMF. (2022). Scientific evidence invalidates health assumptions underlying the FCC and ICNIRP exposure limit determinations for radiofrequency radiation: implications for 5G. Environmental Health, Vol. 21, article 92. https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-022-00900-9
Electrohypersensitivity:
Yael Stein, Iris G. Udasin. (2020). Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS, microwave syndrome) – Review of mechanisms, Environmental Research, Volume 186. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32289567/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935120303388?via%3Dihub
Havas, Magda. (2025). Precursors Need to be Considered to Promote Recovery from Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance–Attributed to Electromagnetic Fields. European Society of Medicine, Medical Research Archives, 13 (1). https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/6253
Johansson O. (2015). Electrohypersensitivity: a functional impairment due to an inaccessible environment. Rev Environ Health;30(4):311-21. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2015-0018. PMID: 26613327.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26613327/
Screen Time:
Michelle Ponti. (2022). Canadian Paedatric Society, Position Statement: Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. A home for paediatricians. A voice for children and youth. https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-preschool-children
Safe Tech Articles
& Media
These media articles explore the potential harms associated with wireless technology, including its impact on health, privacy, and the environment, while offering actionable solutions for safer technology use. They delve into topics such as the adverse effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, screen time addiction, and digital overuse, as well as the importance of informed device usage.
The articles also highlight practical strategies for mitigating risks, such as adopting wired alternatives, reducing unnecessary wireless signals, implementing digital wellness practices, and advocating for policy changes that prioritize public health. Together, they provide valuable insights for creating healthier and more sustainable tech environments.
Legal action against Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok will move forward after a judge rejected the social media companies’ motion to dismiss the case:
Ontario School Boards Clear Hurdle in Lawsuits Against Meta, Snapchat, TikTok
Social media giants lose bid to have lawsuit from Ontario school boards dropped
Group of Ontario school boards says lawsuits against social media giants can proceed
The content from the article below was graciously provided by Environmental Health Trust, ehtrust.org, which has numerous scientific resources on wireless in schools and a website on how to create a lower EMF healthy home, healthytechhome.org.
Safer Tech Classrooms, eschool news: https://www.eschoolnews.com/it-leadership/2024/08/01/wi-fi-rfr-safer-tech-classrooms/
Digital wellness best practices:
Margot Dennome. (2024). The Family Smartphone Guide. Beach Metro Community News.
Cell Phones Banned Across Canada:
P.E.I. banning phones in classrooms for 'mental health of our students,' says education minister https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-cell-phone-school-rules-1.7264748
Ontario will support teachers to enforce cellphone ban: minister https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/cellphone-ban-jill-dunlop-1.7308073
Quebec students forbidden from using cellphones in classrooms after winter break
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cellphone-ban-quebec-new-year-1.7069440
B.C. brings in 'bell-to-bell' school cellphone ban
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/eby-schools-cellphone-1.7306551
Legal Information
This is a section with information about laws, guidelines, appeals, and successful resolutions.
Declaration: International Declaration on the Human Rights of Children in the Digital Age, (2023). Grassroots Communications. https://www.thechildrensdeclaration.org/
Laws to Protect Students from RF Radiation in Schools
As the prevalence of wireless technology in schools continues to grow, there is an increasing concern about the potential health effects of radiofrequency (RF) radiation on students, particularly children, who are more biologically vulnerable to environmental exposures. To address these concerns, some regions have introduced or proposed laws and guidelines aimed at protecting students from RF exposure in educational settings.
Here is an overview of legislative measures and frameworks that can help safeguard children’s health in schools:
Precedents in International and Regional Laws
Several countries and jurisdictions have taken steps to limit children’s exposure to RF radiation in schools:
France: France passed a law in 2015 prohibiting the use of Wi-Fi in nurseries and daycare centers for children under three years old. In primary schools, Wi-Fi is restricted to times when it is necessary for specific educational activities.
Schools are also required to notify parents when wireless devices are used and display signage indicating areas where RF-emitting devices are in use.
From The Guardian :
In 2018, France banned children from using mobile phones in all middle schools -- known as colleges. Phones must remain switched off in schoolbags and cannot be used anywhere in the school grounds, including at break-time. Schools have reported a positive effect, with more social interaction, more physical exercise, less bullying and better concentration. But some did report a few children would sneak into the toilets to watch videos on phones at break.
April, 2025, France is to tighten its ban on the use of mobile phones in middle schools, making pupils at the ages of 11 to 15 shut away their devices in a locker or pouch at the start of the day and access them again only as they are leaving. A report adds: The education minister told the senate she wanted children to be fully separated from their phones throughout the school day in all French middle schools from September. Elisabeth Borne said: "At a time when the use of screens is being widely questioned because of its many harmful effects, this measure is essential for our children's wellbeing and success at school."
Cyprus: The Ministry of Education banned Wi-Fi in kindergartens and encouraged wired connections in elementary schools. Public awareness campaigns also aim to educate parents, teachers, and administrators about the potential risks of RF exposure.
Israel: The Israeli Ministry of Education restricted the use of Wi-Fi in kindergarten and elementary school classrooms and mandated the use of wired internet connections wherever possible. Additionally, schools must turn off Wi-Fi routers when not in use.
More information: Environmental Health Trust, https://ehtrust.org/policy/international-policy-actions-on-wireless/
Canada: Cell phone policies restrict classroom use to pedagogical or Special Education purposes. This addresses the dual challenges of screen time addition and classroom distraction. Even when not actively in use cell phones emit RF radiation. Some schools encourage students to store them in lockers or designated "cell hotels" which can significantly reduce the RF exposure and create safer learning environments.
Teachers and students aware of RF radiation, turn phones off (disagage each radiation emitting antenna - WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth), and store cell phones in a "cell hotel" (mailbox, organizer).
Proposals for Safer Technology Use in Schools
Efforts are underway to establish laws and policies focused on minimizing RF exposure in schools:
Wireless-Free Classrooms: Legislation can mandate the use of wired connections for all internet needs in classrooms, replacing Wi-Fi access points with Ethernet cabling to ensure students’ safety.
Device Policies: Laws can limit or prohibit the use of personal wireless devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches during school hours, reducing the cumulative RF exposure in school environments.
Low-Emission Zones: Legislators can designate schools as low-RF zones by restricting the installation of cell towers and small-cell antennas near playgrounds, classrooms, and other school facilities.
Teacher Training and Awareness: Policies can require professional development programs to educate teachers and school staff about safe technology practices, including turning off wireless devices when not in use.
Recommendations for Legislation
In countries like the United States and Canada, where regulations set RF exposure limits, advocacy efforts are urging governments to adopt stricter guidelines specific to children’s environments:
Stricter RF Exposure Standards: Governments should revise existing RF safety limits to reflect the precautionary principle, especially in places where children spend extended periods.
Parental Notification: Schools can be legally required to inform parents about the presence of RF-emitting devices and technologies and provide clear alternatives for wired options.
Funding for Safer Technology: Provincial and federal grants could help schools transition to wired technology and phase out wireless systems.
Public Awareness and Advocacy
Advocacy organizations and citizen-led movements are playing a vital role in promoting RF safety in schools:
Petitions and Campaigns: Nonprofit organizations are calling for legislation to reduce RF exposure in schools: Canadian Educators for Safe Technology, Tech Safe Schools, Parents for Safe Technology, Canadians for Safe Technology, Environmental Health Trust, Massachusettes for Safe Technology, Physicans for Safe Technology, Americans for Responsible Technology,
Educational Outreach: Advocates are pushing for laws requiring schools to include RF safety as part of health education curricula, teaching students how to use technology responsibly.
Appeals and Declarations to Protect Children
International EMF Scientist Appeal:
Two hundred forty-two (242) scientists from 41 nations have signed the International EMF Scientist Appeal. All have published peer-reviewed research on electromagnetic fields (EMF) and biology or health. In addition, ten scientists who have published peer-reviewed research on related topics have signed this petition.
Santa Clara County Medical Association Environmental Health Committee:
44,000 physicians making a direct impact on health care legislation.
Recommendations for Best Practices for Safe Technology in Schools.
International Declaration on the Human Rights of Children in the Digital Age, (2023). Grassroots Communications. https://www.thechildrensdeclaration.org/
Environmental Health Trust et al. V FCC
Ehttps://ehtrust.org/children-injured-by-wireless-radiation-kleiber-family-amicus-brief/
Americans for Responsible Technology, Citizen Petition and Request for Immediate Public Health Advisory.
The Role of School Boards and Administrators
While waiting for comprehensive legislation, school boards can adopt their own policies to protect students from RF exposure:
Wi-Fi Scheduling: Schools can deactivate Wi-Fi during non-instructional hours and require that it only be turned on when necessary for specific lessons.
Distance from Devices: Policies can mandate a minimum distance between students and RF-emitting devices such as wireless routers and tablets.
Health Monitoring: School health offices can be equipped to track and respond to symptoms of electromagnetic sensitivity in students and staff.
TRIBUNALS: While a few successful tribunals have resulted in improved national and international EHS accommodations, students and teachers with electromagnetic disabilities who opt not to pursue legal support, can face inequities when seeking accommodations in school environments. Those who are compelled to engage in lengthy and costly tribunals to advocate for their basic rights, often do so without the financial or emotional resources to navigate such complex processes. These individuals frequently encounter systemic barriers, including a lack of awareness or understanding of electromagnetic vulnerabilities, limited institutional support, and policies that fail to account for their unique environmental disability needs. The financial burden of legal proceedings, combined with the emotional toll of proving their condition and justifying their need for accommodations, exacerbates their challenges. This inequity underscores the urgent need for proactive, inclusive policies that provide accessible accommodations without the need for adversarial processes, ensuring equitable opportunities for all students and teachers to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion emphasizes the importance of enabling all Canadians to participate fully in learning, work, and community life. Under the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, key priorities include financial security, employment, accessible communities, and modern approaches to disability. This plan supports inclusive workplace accommodations, including for those with electromagnetic disabilities. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability-inclusion-action-plan/action-plan-2022.html#h2.3
Conclusion
Protecting students from RF radiation in schools requires a multifaceted approach, combining legislation, school policies, and public awareness. By prioritizing wired connections, regulating the use of wireless technology, and enacting laws that reflect the latest scientific research, policymakers can create safer learning environments for children. Advocating for such measures is a proactive step in addressing the concerns of parents, educators, and health professionals about the long-term effects of RF exposure on students.
