Safe Technology in School Communities
Screen Impacts on Children's
Social and Mental Health
Over the past ten years schools have implemented more wireless technology in classrooms. While there are some benefits to balancing the use of technology in children’s education, along with a variety of other educational methods, dozens of peer-reviewed studies have been published demonstrating an association between children’s use of technology and the impact on children’s social, mental, and physical health. Concerns have been raised that excessive screen use, particularly from smartphones, tablets and computers, can hinder children’s development. Socially, it may reduce face-to-face interactions, limiting opportunities for developing communication skills, empathy and emotional intelligence. Over-reliance on virtual platforms can lead to social isolation, with children preferring online interactions over in-person connections. Wireless everywhere enables misuse of screen time.
Excessive screen time (cell phones, iPads, tablets) and access to social media platforms has been linked to mental health issues like increased anxiety, depression and attention problems. Constant exposure to social media and violent content can foster unrealistic body images, negative self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, especially among adolescents. The overstimulation from screens can also disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and affecting cognitive development.
In response, some provinces and school boards have implemented their own policies to limit cell phone use in schools. School boards continue to promote screen time throughout the day, in lieu of paper and pencil tasks. This issue warrants national attention. School boards can support a balanced approach to technology by ensuring that traditional paper-and-pencil tasks remain an essential part of curriculum delivery.
Paper-and-pencil tasks: complement technology by strengthening memory, focus, creativity, and equity, while also reducing screen overload.
1. Cognitive & Learning Benefits
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Better retention & comprehension: Writing by hand activates different brain pathways than typing, strengthening memory and deep understanding.
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Enhanced focus: Handwriting is slower and more deliberate, which reduces distractions and helps students process information.
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Critical thinking: Paper-based tasks often encourage more reflection and problem-solving, compared to fast-paced digital input.
2. Skill Development
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Fine motor skills: Writing supports hand–eye coordination and dexterity, especially important in early childhood.
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Spatial awareness: Lining up words, graphs, and numbers on paper helps develop organization and visual–spatial skills.
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Creativity: Drawing, doodling, and free-writing on paper can spark original thinking in ways screens sometimes limit.
3. Academic Performance
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Improved literacy: Handwriting is closely linked with stronger reading, spelling, and vocabulary development.
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Math problem-solving: Working out problems on paper supports step-by-step reasoning and reduces errors compared to mental or screen-based calculations.
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Assessment accuracy: Teachers can see a student’s thought process more clearly in handwritten work than in typed answers.
4. Health & Well-being
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Reduced screen fatigue: Shifting from digital devices gives eyes, posture, and attention span a needed break.
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Stress relief: The tactile, slower pace of handwriting can have calming effects, lowering anxiety in test or study settings.
5. Equity & Accessibility
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Reduces reliance on devices: Not every student has equal access to technology at home; paper ensures fairness.
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Fewer technical barriers: No login issues, device malfunctions, or software distractions.
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
Most families are aware of the widely publicized mental health impacts associated with cell phone use and have taken steps to minimize use. However, the physical risks—particularly when active cell phones are used in direct contact with the body—are less well known. Research has linked prolonged exposure to active cell phones with an increased risk of brain tumors. Children, in particular, are often unaware of safe technology practices and the proper ways to use wireless, radiation-emitting devices.
Classrooms are now filled with a multitude of wireless (microwave frequency) emitting devices. The exponential increased dose and duration of RF exposures has led to an increase in wireless injuries. Extensive research shows adverse chronic, or debilitating biological effects. Children are physiologically vulnerable and mentally impressionable.
Children should be aware of what their devices are (microwave frequency radiation emitting antennae), and how to use them in the safest manner possible. Full disclosure is key. A Safe Technology Physical Education and Health curriculum can bridge the gap and promote Best Practices to improve how children are using their devices. Integrating a Safe Technology Best Practices, into the Physical and Health Education curriculum can bridge a critical gap in student awareness and behavior. By teaching evidence-based best practices, this curriculum can empower children to use digital devices more safely and responsibly. Lessons could include understanding the health impacts of prolonged exposure to wireless radiation, proper device placement, using airplane mode when possible, and choosing wired connections over wireless. Safe Tech Practices would help promote digital wellness, reduce physical and cognitive risks, and support long-term healthy technology habits for students in an increasingly connected world.
Physical Health Effects
What are the physical and mental impacts of excessive screen time and exposure to wireless, microwave radiation? We know that People, animals, birds, plants and pollinators are all electromagnetic. Every living cell in your body whispers quiet instructions to send and receive chemicals which can impact our body.
We also know that all wireless devices send and recieve signals in the microwave frequency range. Artificial electromagnetic radiation from wireless devices is digitally pulsed and can interfere with this quiet whisper that takes place within and between every cell. This interference from digitally pulsed, microwave frequency radiation is known to cause adverse, biological effects. The question becomes, how much radiation are children and pregnant staff exposed to?
Hundreds of scientific studies clearly show the harmful effects of this microwave radiation. Just like smoking, 2nd hand radiation can be harmful to family, friends, pets and bystanders.
Children are more vulnerable to wireless radiation due to several factors. Because children are smaller, when they hold a device against their body with multiple antennas like a tablet, more of their body parts are highly exposed, as compared to an adult with the same device. They have smaller heads, thinner skulls, higher water content, and rapidly developing brains. In addition, children have a higher number of active stem cells, which are particularly sensitive to low levels of microwave radiation. Stem cells are essential for growth and development, as they differentiate into specialized cell types and regenerate tissues. This means the very cells that support a child’s healthy development are among the most impacted by wireless exposure.
Dr. Martha Herbert, Pediatric Neurologist reports "Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from Wi-Fi and cell towers can exert a disorganizing effect on the ability to learn and remember, and can also be destabilizing to immune and metabolic function. This will make it harder for some children to learn, particularly those who are already having learning or medical problems in the first place. And since half of the children in this country have some kind of chronic illness, this means that a lot of people are more vulnerable than you might expect to have these issues".
We can become aware of the health effects, so we know why it is important to use devices in a safer way to protect ourselves and those around us.
Fluorescent Lights, Adverse Effects
Fluorescent lights, commonly used in schools, offices, and homes, emit light through a process that generates ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Although most of this UV radiation is contained by the bulb's phosphor coating, small amounts can still escape, leading to potential biological effects.
Florescent bulbs also contain Mercury, emit Radiofrequency radiation, and generate dirty electricity.
Prolonged exposure to fluorescent lighting has been associated with adverse health effects, including:
Eye Strain and Discomfort: The subtle humming and flickering of fluorescent lights, even when imperceptible to the naked eye, can significantly impact sensitive individuals, triggering headaches, eye strain, stress and fatigue in sensitive individuals who may have a negative impact on concentration.
Skin Sensitivities: For individuals with certain conditions, such as lupus or photodermatoses, UV emissions from fluorescent lighting can trigger skin irritation or rashes.
Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EHS): Fluorescent lights generate electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and can exacerbate symptoms in individuals sensitive to EMF exposure.
Sleep Disruption: The high blue-light content of fluorescent bulbs can disrupt circadian rhythms by suppressing melatonin production, leading to difficulties with sleep.
Mercury Exposure Risks: Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, a toxic substance that poses a health risk if bulbs break or are improperly disposed of.
Electrohypersensitivity
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), known in the past as “Microwave syndrome”, is a clinical condition characterized by a broad spectrum of non-specific multiple organ systems that typically occur after a person's exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from the environment. These microwave-induced symptoms are listed in the illustration: "Are your symptoms caused by your wireless device?"
If someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, encourage them to document both the triggers and the symptoms in detail. They can share their anecdotal notes with their doctor and request a referral to the Environmental Health Clinic at Women’s College Hospital. Early intervention is crucial for maintaining and improving health.
The Electrosensitive Society: is dedicated to supporting individuals who experience adverse health effects from electromagnetic fields (EMFs), including wireless radiation. This organization provides reliable, science-based information about electrosensitivity (EHS), helping individuals understand their condition and its potential triggers. The organization offers practical guidance on reducing EMF exposure and implementing safe technology practices in daily life.
Additionally, ESS fosters a sense of community through its support group, where members can share their experiences, challenges, and solutions in a compassionate and understanding environment. By connecting individuals facing similar struggles, ESS empowers those affected by EHS to navigate their journey toward improved health and well-being.
Gaming
Positive Aspects of Gaming
Adverse Mental Health Effects
Positive aspects to gaming in a structured, wired (no wireless, microwave) environment:
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Cognitive ability: Playing games can improve memory and cognitive ability.
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Problem solving: Games can help players develop problem-solving skills by challenging them to solve complex problems.
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Creativity: Games can encourage creativity, especially narrative-driven games.
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Social skills: Some games can help players develop social skills by providing a safe space for discussion and conversation.
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Teamwork: Multiplayer games can encourage players to work together to achieve a common goal.
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Physical activity: Some games, like Dance Revolution and Wii Fit, are a form of physical activity.
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Therapy and rehabilitation: Video games can be useful tools for therapy and rehabilitation.
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Social support: Games can provide social support and help reduce social isolation.
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Education: Games can be used for education and social interaction. For example, teachers have reported that students become better collaborators after using some digital games in the classroom.
Negative aspects to gaming and wireless (microwave) emissions:
Addiction: Video games are designed to increase a feel good chemical in our body called dopamine. Gaming increases dopamine, but our brain gets used to this level, and wants more. This creates addiction because your child or teen needs more gaming just to get the same good feeling.
If your children are gaming more than one hour on week nights, they may have an addiction. Set limits for device time. Professional counselling can prevent depression, related to gaming.
https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/paediatrics/about_us/people/faculty/Ponti_Michelle.html
Elevated (spiked) Sugar Levels: Epidemiologists recognize that digitally pulsed, wireless RF signals in the microwave frequency range can spike glucose in the brain which can lead to ADHD behaviours.
Adverse impacts on Hormones: Digital pulsed microwave signals from wireless devices are known to adversely impact hormones. Radiofrequency (RF) radiation can potentially affect hormonal systems in the body through various mechanisms, although research in this area is ongoing and complex. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate critical bodily functions, and any disruption in their balance can have wide-ranging effects on health.
Here’s how RF radiation may adversely impact hormones:
1. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
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RF radiation has been shown in some studies to increase oxidative stress, which is the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to altered hormone production.
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Chronic inflammation caused by RF exposure may interfere with the normal functioning of hormone-producing glands.
2. Disruption of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
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The hypothalamic-pituitary axis is a critical hormonal regulatory system. RF radiation could influence its functioning, altering the secretion of key hormones such as cortisol (stress hormone), growth hormone, and reproductive hormones.
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Studies suggest that RF exposure may interfere with the signaling between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, affecting overall hormonal balance.
3. Effects on Reproductive Hormones
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RF radiation has been linked to changes in the levels of reproductive hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. This disruption may lead to issues like reduced fertility, menstrual irregularities, and other reproductive health problems.
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Male fertility studies have noted potential reductions in testosterone levels and sperm quality with prolonged RF exposure.
4. Melatonin Suppression
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Melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles, may be suppressed by RF radiation. Disruptions in melatonin can lead to sleep disturbances and immune system dysfunction.
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Lower melatonin levels have also been associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.
5. Thyroid Hormone Disruption
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The thyroid gland is highly sensitive to environmental factors. RF radiation may influence the production of thyroid hormones, such as T3 and T4, potentially leading to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
6. Stress Hormones
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RF radiation exposure has been linked to elevated cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Chronic elevations in cortisol can lead to a variety of health issues, including weakened immunity, weight gain, and cardiovascular problems.
7. Insulin Resistance
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Preliminary research suggests that RF radiation might influence glucose metabolism and insulin regulation, potentially increasing the risk of metabolic disorders like diabetes.
8. Endocrine-Disrupting Mechanisms
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RF radiation may act as an endocrine disruptor by altering the way hormone receptors respond or by interfering with cellular signaling pathways critical for hormonal regulation.
What the Research Says:
The degree of hormonal disruption likely depends on factors such as the frequency and intensity of RF radiation, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility.
While independent peer-reviewed studies (not tied to the industry) indicate these potential effects, corporate-funded studies appear to have downplayed or failed to detect similar risks, often leading to conflicting conclusions that delay precautionary action.