Tim Farnum is leading the charge on a proposed ballot initiative in Colorado that would be the first of its kind in the country. Farnum's proposal would ban the sale of smartphones to children younger than 13, or more likely, to parents who intend to give the smartphone to kids in that age bracket.
Farnum, a Denver-area anesthesiologist, is the founder of Parents Against Underage Smartphones, or PAUS, the nonprofit group pushing the proposal.
BBC article from 2007 reveals some interesting information. Please see highlighted text from BBC article found here.
See a quote from the article. "However, Professor Lawrie Challis, chairman of the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) programme management committee, encourages young children not to use a computer on their lap and to place it on a table."
Co-sponsored Heather Lahdenpera and Christine Zipps
"The growing trend of giving children one-to-one devices such as Chrome-books, laptops, virtual reality headsets, and iPads at school is increasing the amount of screen time our children experience daily. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, today's children are spending an average of SEVEN hours per day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, cell or “smart” phones and other electronic devices. Screen use and the electromagnetic radiation emitted The growing trend of giving children one-to-one devices such as Chrome-books, laptops, virtual reality headsets, and iPads at school is increasing the amount of screen time our children experience daily."
(Worcester Massachusetts) The Worcester School Committee (WSC) on May 4, 2017 voted to authorize a “Precautionary Options on Radiofrequency Exposure” document regarding reducing exposure to radiation from wireless device use to be posted on the School System’s website and to be prominently posted in all public schools within the Worcester Massachusetts school system.
The “Precautionary Options” document was developed by the Worcester School administration in response to a request from the WSC Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Teaching Supports (TLSS) to address the possible health risks of radiofrequency radiation exposure from wireless devices in the classroom. The document states, that although regulating agencies such as the EPA and the FCC have not established a link between mobile devices and cancer, “...they do offer some suggestions for those that are concerned about Radio Frequency (RF) exposure.”
The document lists EPA and FDA guidance on how to to reduce exposure to radiofrequency radiation which includes; “Use a speakerphone, earpiece or headset; Increase the distance between wireless devices and your body. Consider texting rather than talking; Consider not placing the device directly on your lap. Instead consider placing it on a hard surface such as a desk or book”.
TLSS chair, Brian O’Connell says, the precautionary options reflect the Administration’s response to “concerns people may have.” He characterized the document as “a summary of safe and prudent practices”, and an informational statement presented “as a guideline and encouragement for people to think about the issue.”
TLSS vice-chair John Monfredo who called for the vote said, ”It’s time we ... at least acknowledge what health officials and scientists are saying about EMF….Let’s teach our children to use technology responsibly. Let’s do the right thing and be open minded on the issue...We have a moral obligation to our parents and our children to let them know what the research is saying.”
The Worcester Massachusetts School System continues enforcing an unrelated cell phone policy implemented in September 2016. It requires students to keep their phones powered off at all times during the school day to support them in focussing on school matters.
Mr. O’Connell and Mr. Monfredo have championed the cell phone/wi-fi radiation awareness issue since first meeting in August 2016. A retired principal and education columnist for two local publications, Mr. Monfredo has written several articles about the issue while emphasizing the importance of using technology responsibly. Both School Committee Members have researched the EMF/RF issue and have consistently advised their colleagues about the wisdom of pursuing the Precautionary Principle.
News Articles on the Worcester School Committees Actions on Wi-Fi
