Digital devices in primary school: educational tools or radiation source?

 

Article from Germany about the use of digital devices in schools. It makes the excellent point that health aspects of exposure to radiation from these devices and Wi-Fi are seldom discussed.

Digital devices in primary school: educational tools or radiation source?

Frankenpost, 19 January 2025 - translation

The increasing use of smartphones and tablets in elementary school not only raises questions about media literacy, but also about health safety. According to a Bitkom study, 17% of children of primary school age already have their own cell phone and 42% have a tablet.

This means that many children are exposed to electromagnetic radiation from mobile devices at an early age - an aspect that has unfortunately received little attention to date.

Early contact: what are the risks?

While digital devices are touted as tools for education and entertainment, research has been warning for years about the potential long-term effects of radiation exposure, especially on children: For example, children absorb electromagnetic radiation more than adults because their skull bones are thinner and their brains are still developing.

Critics complain that although schools such as the Christian Wolfrum elementary school in Hof regulate the use of smartphones and tablets, they hardly ever address the health aspects.

Bipolar in everyday school life

On the one hand, schools are increasingly reliant on tablets as teaching aids: In Hof, they are used in lessons for creative and educational tasks. At the same time, the private media consumption of many children remains unregulated. “Excessive media consumption is not conducive to learning,” emphasizes principal Carolin Krauß. However, the health risks associated with the intensive use of Wi-Fi and mobile phones are also rarely addressed - neither in lessons nor in the poorly attended parents' evenings on media education.

Missing guidelines: parents and schools to be held accountable

Stefan Stadelmann, head of the school district in Hof, appeals to “common sense” when it comes to media consumption and the use of digital devices. However, without clear recommendations for minimizing radiation, such as use in flight mode or strict time limits, parents and children are often left to face the challenge alone.

Bottom line: Balancing education and health

Digital media offer undeniable advantages for teaching. But the long-term cost could be the health of the youngest generation. Greater awareness of radiation risks and clear measures to minimize them are needed - from schools, parents and political decision-makers alike.

Source: Frankenpost