Digital Age Dangers: EMFs & Child Brain Development
If you have a sibling or a child – chances are they’re currently glued to their phones. That’s not a surprise because 42% of children have a phone by 10 years old. By age 12, its 71% and by 14, its 91%. The age that children start using devices is reducing by the day, so it’s only natural to wonder what the consequences of these are – if any. In short, children, in a developing stage, are actually the most prone to being affected by using these devices due to the EMF radiation they emit.
First – what are EMFs? Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy emitted from electronic devices including cell phones, laptops, and tablets. Despite these devices now being an inevitable part of our modern life, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of electromagnetic radiation on children’s brain development.
Read more about the hidden dangers of wifi here, how the 5g rollout might affect you here, and how the FCC standards are not enough to protect you here.
The human brain is a complex organ that is still not fully understood to this day. However, research such as this study has shown that the brain is sensitive to environmental factors, including electromagnetic radiation (EMFs). Children are particularly vulnerable to these factors as their brains are still developing and are more malleable to changes that might become permanent in the long run. In fact, a study such as this one proved how a child’s brain absorbs more radiation than that of an adult due to their skulls being thinner, and their brains containing more fluid.
One of the main concerns about the impact of electromagnetic radiation on children’s brain development is the potential for long-term damage. Some studies have suggested that exposure to electromagnetic radiation can lead to changes in brain function and structure. For example, a study published in the journal Environmental Research found that children who were exposed to high levels of electromagnetic radiation from cell phones had lower scores on tests of memory and attention.
Other studies have suggested that exposure to electromagnetic radiation can lead to changes in brain chemistry. For example, a study published in the journal Bioelectromagnetics found that exposure to electromagnetic radiation can cause an increase in the production of free radicals, which are molecules that can damage cells and DNA. This can potentially lead to a variety of health problems, including cancer and neurological disorders.
While the long-term impact of electromagnetic radiation on children’s brain development is still not fully understood, there are steps that parents can take to minimize their child’s exposure. For example, parents can limit their child’s use of electronic devices, particularly at night when the body’s natural sleep cycle is disrupted by blue light. Parents can also encourage their children to use a headset or speakerphone when talking on the phone to minimize radiation exposure to the brain.
Read here about oxidative stress, how general stress could be affecting your physical recovery here, and here about the effects of radiation during gaming.
In addition to limiting exposure, parents can also take steps to promote healthy brain development in their children. This includes providing a healthy diet rich in nutrients that support brain function, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Parents can also encourage their children to engage in physical activity, which has been shown to improve brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Overall even though the impact of electromagnetic radiation on children’s brain development is still not fully understood, there is considerable evidence to suggest that exposure to high levels of electromagnetic radiation can negatively affect brain function and structure.
It’s integral for parents to take steps to minimize their child’s exposure to electromagnetic radiation by limiting their use of electronic devices and promoting healthy brain development through diet and physical activity. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that their child’s brain develops in a healthy and safe environment.
Updated: July 24th, 2023