In today’s digital age, classrooms are becoming increasingly reliant on technology to enhance the learning experience – 97% of elementary schools and 100% of secondary schools use technology. However, with the rise of electronic devices comes the potential risk of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). EMF exposure has been a growing concern, as it has been linked to various health issues. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies and best practices for reducing EMF exposure in the digital classroom.
Eliminating Wireless Connections:
One of the most significant steps in reducing EMF exposure is to eliminate sources of radiation inside school buildings. This can be achieved by installing corded/wired internet, phone, and tech connections instead of relying on wireless alternatives. By opting for corded connections, the hourly and overall exposure to EMF radiation for students, teachers, and staff can be significantly reduced.
Interested in learning more about how EMFs impact you? Read more on how it can affect your brain health here, your immunity here, your fertility here and how you can use EMF meters to better gauge your exposure here.
Implementing Routines in the Classroom:
Creating a culture of awareness in the classroom is crucial to minimizing EMF exposure. Educators can start by reminding students to power off and store their cell phones and personal digital devices (PDD) at the beginning of each class. Students should also be encouraged to keep their devices at a safe distance from their bodies. When cell phones are needed for tasks such as photos or videos, students should be instructed to disable wireless antennas by selecting “airplane mode.” Posting policy and best practice signs in every classroom can further reinforce these habits.
Curriculum Planning:
To minimize EMF exposure while using the internet for educational purposes, it is recommended to limit internet connectivity to specific times rather than integrating it throughout the entire class. Students should have dedicated periods for online research and organization. Additionally, hardwired connections should be used for all necessary devices, such as computers, screens, printers, speakers, and headphones. If hardwire connections are not available, minimizing the use of wireless network services and relying on pre-downloaded applications and content can substantially reduce exposure.
Read more here on why children are more affected by EMFs here, how children’s immunity is affected here, and tips on ways to reduce your exposure here.
Empowering Students:
Teaching students about the importance of minimizing EMF exposure is essential for their overall well-being. Educators can educate students about the harmful effects of EMF radiation and provide instructions on how to turn off wireless antennas when not in use on their personal devices. It is also advisable to store laptop carts outside the classroom and avoid recharging laptops near students. Virtual reality “field trips” should be replaced with showing movies and videos on large screens to limit unnecessary wireless transmission.
Community Education and Parent Involvement:
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child’s well-being both at home and in school. Regularly scheduling parent education sessions can provide practical advice on reducing health risks associated with cell phones, screens, and wireless devices. Hands-on workshops can be conducted to demonstrate how to hardwire home electronics and create low-EMF computer workstations. Furthermore, holding discussion forums about strategies to address the challenges of parenting in the digital age can foster a community that prioritizes EMF reduction.
Implementing School Policies:
Creating and regularly updating school policies regarding cell phone and digital device use can have a significant impact on reducing EMF exposure. These policies should include medical recommendations for children’s health and safety, addressing issues related to eyesight, posture, addiction, and radiation. Instituting a ban on personal cell phones and personal hotspot devices, except for specific supervised instructional purposes, can minimize distractions and non-educational wireless usage. Extending such bans to school buses and ensuring non-wireless methods of communication with parents for last-minute scheduling issues can also contribute to reducing exposure.
Low-EMF Infrastructure:
School buildings should be equipped with wired LAN and communication services instead of wireless networks. Only purchasing or using electronic devices that can be ethernet-connected and allow for the disabling of wireless applications and antennas is recommended. It is important to assess and remediate any common wiring errors and ensure that classrooms are not located above high EMF-generating equipment or appliances. Additionally, installations of wired charging systems, avoidance of fluorescent lights and RFID systems, and the use of analog meters instead of smart meters can further reduce EMF exposure.
With the increasing use of technology in the digital classroom, it is crucial to prioritize the reduction of EMF exposure. By implementing the strategies and practices discussed in this blog post, schools can create a safer environment for students, teachers, and staff. Taking proactive measures to minimize EMF exposure will not only benefit the overall health and well-being of individuals but also promote a healthier and more productive digital learning experience. Read more about what influencers such as Tim Ferris and Andrew Huberman had to say on the issue here.
