Students at every age level can learn about cell phone radiation and how they can reduce exposures. Here are educational resources and vetted science-based health curriculum you can use to educate your students today.

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition Educational Modules on Cell Phones and Technology 

EHT was proud to collaborate with the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition on “Lets Talk Prevention” educational modules on cell phone radiation for high school, middle school, and elementary. Please take the time to download these easy to understand educational materials and consider using them in your classroom.  These resources include suggested student activities. 

• Go to MBCC Let’s Talk Prevention Classroom Modules 

New Jersey Educational Association Recommendations  

The New Jersey Educational Association (NJEA) article  “Minimize health risks from electronic devices” is a perfect way to share simple steps to reduce physical health effects from devices, including repetitive strain injuries, neck, shoulder and back pain, blurred vision and headaches, altered sleep patterns and next-day fatigue and also wireless  radiation exposure

• Read the NJEA article online, PDF of Recommendations

American Federation of Teachers 2019: Technology and Environmental Health: Increasing Awareness and Improving Safety for Teachers, Staff and Students

In 2019, Theodora Scarato presented at the AFT National Conference. Her powerpoint presentation is availible at AFT’s Share My Lesson

“Cellphones and digital devices and Wi-Fi increasingly are being integrated into schools, but are you aware of the scientific research that links wireless technology to health issues, including memory and sleep problems, headaches, and even cancer? Participants will review recent teachers union actions on this increasing occupational health risk and learn educational solutions for schools that enable internet access with lowered health risks.”

Presenter: Theodora Scarato, clinical social worker, Environmental Health Trust

• Share My Lesson: American Federation of Teachers Presentation on Technology Safety  (includes powerpoints, factsheets and more) 

Posters on How to Reduce Cell Phone Radiation

A school nurse asked us for posters she could put in her office. EHT has designed several colorful posters in various sizes. Please see a full list HERE. 

Screen an Inspiring Movie

We highly recommend these two films for students, as shown on PBS  “Short Guide to Cell Phone Safety” and “The Dangers of Radiofrequency Radiation” 

EHT has curated two lists for teachers and families with films on:

• Environmental Health
• Cell Phones and Wireless

California Department of Public Health Cell Phone Guidance

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommendations to reduce cell phone radiation exposure explain why and how to reduce cell phone radiation. The United Educators of San Francisco passed a resolution for safer technology calling for the CDPH recommendations to be shared with all students and staff in the San Francisco Public School District. 

Download the California Department of Public Health Cell Phone Cell Phone Advisory 

American Academy of Pediatrics Cell Phone Tips 

 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families reduce cell phone radiation exposure.  

American Academy of Pediatrics cell phone safety tips for families:

• Use text messaging when possible, and use cell phones in speaker mode or with the use of hands-free kits.
• When talking on the cell phone, try holding it an inch or more away from your head.
• Make only short or essential calls on cell phones.
• Avoid carrying your phone against the body like in a pocket, sock, or bra. Cell phone manufacturers can’t guarantee that the amount of radiation you’re absorbing will be at a safe level.
• Do not talk on the phone or text while driving. This increases the risk of automobile crashes.
• Exercise caution when using a phone or texting while walking or performing other activities. “Distracted walking” injuries are also on the rise.
• If you plan to watch a movie on your device, download it first, then switch to airplane mode while you watch in order to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
• Keep an eye on your signal strength (i.e. how many bars you have). The weaker your cell signal, the harder your phone has to work and the more radiation it gives off. It’s better to wait until you have a stronger signal before using your device.
• Avoid making calls in cars, elevators, trains, and buses. The cell phone works harder to get a signal through metal, so the power level increases.
• Remember that cell phones are not toys or teething items.

Launch A Student Art And Technology Contest 

EHT has sponsored several student arts and video contests to spread awareness on cell phones and safe technology. Please see some of the winning music videos fro Jackson Wyoming below. If you would like to start this in your school, please contact us at info@ehtrust.org. 

Ready to learn more?

See the actions taken by parent-teacher organizations here and by teacher unions here.

Santa Clara California Medical Association Best Practices For Schools 

Purpose: To educate physicians, school officials and teachers of the complex health risks and potential health hazards of digital and wireless technology in schools, highlighting precautionary measures and recommendations for safer use of this technology. 

Best Practice Policy Recommendations to Improve Health, Safety and the Learning Environment for Students

1. Create a “Safe Tech in Schools Program” to educate students and staff with materials including informational brochures, posters and/or lectures on potential health effects of wireless devices, how to use devices safely, reduce wireless use in the classrooms and reasons to prefer hardwire connections.
2. Educate students and staff about risks of carrying wireless devices in pockets or next to the body, where wireless radiation levels may exceed even FCC safety guidelines. 

Examples of recommended ways to reduce RF exposure: 

• Put devices on desks, not laps
• Text rather than call
• Prefer speaker phone
• Put devices in airplane mode when not in use.
• Carry phones in backpacks, etc., not on the body
• Turn devices on airplane mode when not in use
• Avoid or strictly limit the use of Virtual Reality headsets
  

3. Educate the school nurse about potential health effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in students, including blue light effects, posture, RFR effects, and in some students, electrosensitivity (headaches, dizziness, etc.) along with creating a monitoring and reporting program
   
4. Establish and promote school cell phone-free policies.
5. Promote tech free breaks in classrooms during each class.
6. Use blue light reduction methods such as apps, blue light computer covers or blue light glasses. 
7. Reduce RF radiation on campus and in classrooms:

•  Prefer and install hard-wired ethernet devices instead of wireless wherever possible. This includes hardwiring computers, tablets, whiteboards and cordless phones in the classroom. Consider placing fiberoptic cables for broadband access as it is faster, safer, more reliable and cheaper in the long run, with no radiofrequency radiation emissions risks
• Disable devices so they are on airplane mode when on ethernet.
  Purchase Wi Fi routers which have access points that can be easily turned on or off at point of use and at multiple points, to reduce RF emissions, as well as energy use and to achieve ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) RF levels as per European Council Resolution 1815. Tech Safe Schools. Mitigation Techniques for Reducing RF Radiation in Classrooms. https://www.techsafeschools.org/_files/ugd/2cea04_9e0eac828f124de9ae4a956d8 1d1f802.pdf
• Turn off wireless devices, hotspots, printers “smart TV’s” and routers when not in use in the classroom with easy on-off access buttons or remote. Have timers on routers which can turn off routers at night and when not in use to reduce energy consumption.
• Place routers as far away from students as possible and not overhead. Distance reduces RF exposure.
• Decrease the power of the router. Typically the power can be reduced from 100% to 15-20% without interfering with function thus saving energy, as well as reducing RFR exposure. (c,d,e will likely allow the network to operate more efficiently with no interference and with good connectivity)
• Disable 2.4 GHz Wi Fi and use only 5GHz for classrooms. This reduces energy use.
  Choose routers which are only on-demand and are silent unless in use. These can also be controlled by teachers using their laptops.
  Consult with an RF professional who can measure radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from Wi Fi, Bluetooth, cell phone frequencies, cell tower frequencies (600 MHz to 7 GHz and possibly select 5G millimeter bands). This includes peaks/maximum levels of radiation which are the most biologically active, not average exposures. It will be important to perform before and after Wi Fi adjustments, or before buying equipment. It is recommended that each school also purchase a professional grade EMF meter(s) to test for exposures. The teachers and students can measure and confirm the reduction in exposure.  
• Consider a Wi Fi Free Zone on campus with signs posted to turn off phones.
• Reduce wireless radiation and distractions in students by having them download materials first, then disable applicable wireless antennas (Bluetooth, GPS, cellular, and Wi Fi) by using airplane mode as much as possible.
• Consider using books instead of computers or tablets whenever possible for improved learning and less distraction
• Keep tablets and computers at least 8 inches from the body and on a table (not lap) when used as per Federal Communications Commission recommendations.
• Keep children’s heads away from routers, screens and antennas as much as possible.
• Avoid installation of smart meters on school premises. (Lamech 2014)
  

8. Consider a policy to restrict installation of cell towers on school property. The recommendation is at least 1640 feet (500meters) distance from a cell tower to a school. (Balmori 2022; Pearce 2020)
   
9. Develop and distribute state-level policies and/or guidance for schools on wireless radiation and technology safety.

Link to Santa Clara California Medical Association Best Practices For Schools