Santa Clara County Medical Association School Best Practices For Cell Phones and Wi-Fi
Create a “Safe Tech in Schools Program” to educate students and staff with materialsSanta Clara County Medical Association School Best Practices, 2023
including informational brochures, posters and/or lectures on potential health effects of
wireless devices, how to use devices safely, reduce wireless use in the classrooms and
reasons to prefer hardwire connections.
In 2023 the Santa Clara County Medical Association adopted Recommendations for Best Practices for Safe Technology in Schools in order to educate physicians, school officials and teachers of the complex health risks and potential health hazards of digital and wireless technology in schools. The group examined research on the broad impacts of digital technology including health and neurologic effects of exposure to wireless radiation, eye effects, mental health effects and impacts on academic performance. Recognizing the importance of protecting children’s health in all environments, including schools several recommendations for best practices were advised.
Santa Clara County Medical Association School Best Practices Recommendations includes:
- Creating a “Safe Tech in Schools Program” to educate students and staff on how to use devices safely and reduce wireless use in the classroom
- Using blue light reduction methods to reduce eye strain
- Establishing and promoting school cell phone-free policies
- Preferring and installing hard-wired ethernet devices instead of wireless wherever possible
- Consulting with an RF professional who can measure radiofrequency radiation
- Avoiding installation of smart meters on school premises
- Considering a policy to restrict installation of cell towers on school property
