Former Microsoft Canada President agrees school Wi-Fi is a Potential Health Hazard.  Frank Clegg, one of the biggest names in Canadian technology, has announced that he stands behind parents who object to wireless internet in schools.

The Report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC Monograph 102) on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields is now available.  The Monograph represents the views and expert opinions of an IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, which met in Lyon, 24-31 May 2011. 

Complaint to the Health Protection Agency, March 2013.  A complaint from UK organisations and individuals concerning the failure of the HPA to provide appropriate precautionary advice regarding radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.  Included is a complaint about the absence of any reference to the IARC classification of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen in the recent submission from the HPA to the Commons Select Committee Inquiry into Smart Meter Roll-out. 

Safe Schools 2012.  Medical and Scientific Experts Call for Safe Technologies in Schools.  A document for schools, 2012. Flyer.  Please pass on to schools, Governing bodies, parents and teachers.

Wireless technologies and young people - A resource for schools, October 2011.  A document for schools. Flyer.  Other resources to pass on to schools can be found on the Actions page.

                     For other recent news click here (2009-February 2013)

                  Wi-Fi in schools

Recent years have seen a huge increase in the number of UK schools installing wireless computer networks (Wi-Fi, WLAN), wireless white boards, and similar devices.  Schools have been encouraged to use 'smart' and 'mobile' technologies (BECTA).

Wireless systems offer freedom to move around the school with laptops/hand-held computers and are easier and sometimes cheaper to install than wired networks.  Schools have invested money in the technologies, pupils like them and they have become a part of school culture.

However, schools, parents and staff are often unaware of the enormous number of scientific studies now published which suggest that mobile and wireless technologies which emit microwave radiation may pose a health risk, especially to children.  The science is published in scientific journals, often only available to subscribers.  The concerns of scientists and scientific studies are not always communicated to the public.  Thus schools rely upon the statements about the use of wireless technologies in schools made by the UK Health Protection Agency and the AGNIR.

This web site aims to provide more information about the science (Scientific Research and Health Issues for Schools), about International Concerns and the Precautionary Approach which some people are now taking with regard to these technologies.  The hope is for this information to become more widely known, so that parents and schools will be better equipped to make informed decisions about which technologies schools should be choosing for children and teenagers to use.  For further information please see 'Safe Schools 2012' and 'Wireless technologies and young people'.

A safe place for children     

Most children have to attend school.  Home tutoring is rarely a practical option, and it fails to provide the social education that is gained by being part of a large group.

Schools need to provide safe environments for all children, irrespective of their susceptibilities to different diseases or genetic make ups.

Children deserve a safe environment to learn, play, develop and thrive. Many households now use some form of mobile or wireless technology, and this is their choice. Others have chosen not to use wireless technologies where there are wired alternatives.  In school children have no choice about their exposure.  Schools therefore have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for all children whilst in their care.