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We hope that the information on this website will help schools and parents in making informed decisions about the use of wireless technologies in schools.
It is our view that given the potential health concerns, schools should not be using wireless technologies. They should be adopting a precautionary approach until good long-term studies on the health effects have been carried out. We would like to see schools that currently have Wi-Fi, offering safe, wired-up computers for children/parents or staff who request it, fully involving the pupils in the educational curriculum.
If you have concerns about wireless technologies in schools then you could:
- Discuss your concerns with your school.
- Print this file (wifiinschoolspostcard1 or wifiinschoolspostcard2) in postcard size and display in your local newsagent's window and other notice/bulletin boards.
- Sign the Porto Alegre Resolution (2009) by contacting ICEMS at info@icems.eu, giving your name and the country in which you live.
Progress may be made if parents, teachers and schools work together. Taking no action is likely to result eventually in all schools using wireless technologies. This may be devastating for a small number of pupils and staff in the short-term. In the long-term it may have widespread damaging effects on the health of a whole generation.
This site is concerned with wireless technologies in schools. However, the potential health concerns raised here have implications for the use of Wi-Fi and other wireless devices on public transport, in hospitals, libraries, hotels, cafes, workplaces etc. Wi-Fi-enabling whole cities or towns is likely to have health consequences for some people and in our view is irresponsible. Babies (including pregnancy), children, teenagers, and some people with existing medical conditions may be more at risk. An informed public debate is needed.
As consumers we can decide how we spend our money. In many cases we can also decide which organisations, institutions or public places we use or support. We should choose wisely. We all play a role in shaping the type of society that we want for the future.
Funding
If schools currently using Wi-Fi and other wireless devices wish to adopt a precautionary approach they will require financial support to provide wired networking points within the school. Parents, staff, local communities and businesses may be able to assist with this by fundraising. As local communities we can help to protect the health of our children and support safer schools.