United States: Court ruling in Florida: towards a ban on social networks for minors?

Court ruling: towards a ban on social networks for minors?
by Andy R., android-mt.ouest-france.fr/, June 5, 2025 - auto-translation

A high-profile Florida law aimed at banning minors under the age of 14 from accessing social media platforms has just suffered a major setback. A federal judge has ordered its temporary suspension, reigniting the thorny debate over child protection in the digital age versus the fundamental principle of freedom of expression. This American decision resonates particularly strongly as many countries, including France, are considering the best way to regulate the use of social media by young people.

In brief:

• Florida law banning social media for children under 14 suspended by judge
• Concerns about violation of freedom of expression have been raised by the courts
• This type of debate on regulating minors' access to social networks is also lively in France. 

Florida's Attempt to Disconnect Young Users

In the spring of 2025, the state of Florida made a splash by adopting some of the strictest legislation in the United States regarding minors' access to social media. HB1, in particular, provided for an outright ban on the creation of accounts on many platforms for children under the age of 14. For adolescents aged 14 and 15, explicit parental consent became necessary. The stated objective of Florida lawmakers was clear: to protect young people from the effects deemed harmful by social media, such as cyberbullying, mental health problems (anxiety, depression, damaged self-image), or exposure to inappropriate or dangerous content.

Switzerland: Mobile phone ban at schools: a first step towards protection - but the basic problem remains unattended

Mobile phone ban at schools: a first step towards protection - but the basic problem remains unattended
Sources: Wiler newspaper; ajour.ch and pomona.ch, posted by Verein Schutz vor Strahlung, 1st June 2025 - translation

Nidwalden intervenes: As the first German-Swiss canton, it passes a uniform ban on private digital devices in schools. Meanwhile, other cantons continue to rely on self-responsibility - ignoring a central question: What role does the influence of radiation play in school?

Starting from the new school year, children and young people will no longer be allowed to use private phones, tablets and laptops in Nidwalden on the school premises. Exceptions are for educational purposes or emergencies only. The Directorate of Education justifies this decision with the increasing use of such devices and the desire to promote conscious use. The new regulation applies to both primary and secondary schools.

European Commission: A process locked in for the benefit of the telephony industry

European Commission: A process locked in for the benefit of the telephony industry
By : Phonegate Team • 28 May 2025

At midnight on May 27, 2025, the European Commission closed its call for contributions on the activation of rules for reconfigurable radioelectric equipment, which aims to ensure that software updates do not compromise the safety and compliance of devices throughout their lifecycle. This consultation is part of the RED Directive (2014/53/EU), which regulates the marketing of radioelectric equipment in Europe.

A major issue for 450 million Europeans

With the proliferation of software capable of remotely modifying radio parameters (transmit power, frequencies used), a device that is compliant when first placed on the market can become non-compliant, or even dangerous, after a manufacturer’s update. This can lead, for example, to increased exposure to radiofrequency radiation (measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)), or to interference with other essential services.

The aim of the consultation is therefore to propose the activation of different levels of legal provisions (from 0 to 4) to provide a more or less strict framework for these updates, in order to guarantee consumer health and safety.

76% of contributions come from industry stakeholders vs. 24% from civil society

Of the 34 contributions received, the vast majority come from industry stakeholders, who are in favor of the status quo (option 0) or simple self-regulation (option 1), citing economic arguments and the need to preserve innovation.

On the other hand, consumer associations, national authorities and NGOs, including Phonegate Alert, are calling for tighter regulation (options 2 to 4) to prevent the abuses observed, notably the practice of bypassing SAR tests via embedded software.

Continue reading:
https://phonegatealert.org/en/european-commission-a-process-locked-in-for-benefit-telephony-industry/

Switzerland: Radiation free school? – Why the call for cell phone bans is getting louder

Radiation free school? – Why the call for cell phone bans is getting louder
Sources: Central Plus and Blick.ch, posted by Verein Schutz vor Strahlung, 23 May 2025 - DeepL translation

The debate about cell phones in schools is currently more topical than ever - and shines a bright light on a blind spot in the education and health system: the lack of awareness of the potential health effects of constant digital exposure and social overstimulation. While politicians, psychologists and educators discuss psychological stress and media education strategies, one thing remains largely unaddressed - the issue of electrosmog.

In Zug, parliamentarians of all parties called for legal clarity for mobile phone-free school zones. The reason: the mental health of young people is deteriorating rapidly. Cyberbullying, constant pressure to present themselves and constant digital distraction not only endanger learning success, but also mental stability. But the government waves the issue away: existing rules are sufficient, schools should decide for themselves in individual cases. However, school psychologist Stephan Kälin warns against mere coercion - and relies on dialog, role models and intrinsic motivation (intrinsic motivation means that the drive to carry out an activity comes from within).

Switzerland: Monitoring of cell phone radiation: “We'd rather suppress the risks than measure them”

“We'd rather suppress the risks than measure them”

by Pascal Sigg, infosperber.ch, 17 May 2025 - Deepl translation

No money for health: the National Council does not want to monitor device radiation. The Federal Council was also against it.

Time and again, cell phones that exceed the radiation limits come onto the market in this country. This only becomes known because - in addition to the manufacturers - a French authority monitors the devices (Infosperber reported).

(Photo): Called in vain for control of smartphones: National Councillor Marionna Schlatter. Parliamentary services

Switzerland has been resisting effective control of the devices for years (Infosperber reported). And it will continue to do nothing. This became clear last week after the National Council clearly rejected a proposal by Marionna Schlatter. The Green politician called for independent market surveillance of devices in Switzerland.

Swiss doctors warn against cell phone radiation - these are their demands

Swiss doctors warn against cell phone radiation - these are their demands

bluewin.ch, 5 May 2025

(Photo): Cell phone networks are becoming increasingly important in the digital age. However, doctors warn against radiation.
Daniel Karmann/dpa

A medical organization is calling for better protection against cell phone radiation. The reason for this is a new study that does not give the all-clear in terms of health risks.

No time? blue News summarizes for you

• Doctors for environmental protection warn of health risks from cell phone radiation.
• A new study by the University of Bern shows a link between mobile phone radiation and a higher cancer rate in animals, particularly in the brain and heart.
• The organization advises people to rely on wired internet, especially indoors, and criticizes the lack of controls in Switzerland.

The Doctors for Environmental Protection (AefU) are calling for more caution when dealing with mobile phone radiation. "From a medical point of view, there is a need for action," the organization declared on Monday. The reason for this is a new systematic review published in the journal Environment International at the end of April.

The study, which was conducted at the University of Bern and partly co-financed by the World Health Organization, evaluated 52 animal experiments. The research team found a clear correlation: animals that were exposed to mobile phone radiation were more likely to develop cancer. Tumors were found particularly often in the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, adrenal glands, brain and heart.

Switzerland: 1st May 2025 Update by the Federal Office of Public Health of its Fact Sheets for various appliances and devices producing non-ionizing radiation

The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health updated its Fact Sheets for various appliances and devices producing non-ionizing radiation on 1st May 2025, including mobile phones, fitness-trackers and smartwatches, cordless (DECT) phones, baby monitors, etc.. Very detailed. Have a read:

https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/gesund-leben/umwelt-und-gesundheit/strahlung-radioaktivitaet-schall/elektromagnetische-felder-emf-uv-laser-licht/emf.html

We cite here only a few details: 

Mobile phones and smartphones 

3 Health effects - pp.3-5

3.1 Cancer

3.1.2 High-frequency electromagnetic fields

"In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified high-frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic (group 2B) based on studies suggesting a potential link between using mobile or cordless phones and brain tumours."

4 Legal regulations p.6

"Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their appliances comply with the conformity criteria. In Switzerland, no authority checks whether mobile phones meet these standards (23.4244 | Mobile phones emit more radiation than permitted. The time has come to check the NIR limits in Switzerland too! | Item of business | The Swiss Parliament – available in German, French and Italian)."

https://www.parlament.ch/fr/ratsbetrieb/suche-curia-vista/geschaeft?AffairId=20234244

WHO Review Finds Cancer Risk in RF-Exposed Animals

WHO Review Finds Cancer Risk in
RF-Exposed Animals

At Odds with ICNIRP, Most Health Agencies
Microwave News, April 27, 2025, Last updated April 28, 2025

A major review of animal studies has found reliable evidence that RF radiation increases the risk of cancer.

The new systematic review was commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) EMF office in Geneva as part of its ongoing assessment of RF health effects (more here).

It concludes: “[T]here is evidence that RF EMF exposure increases the incidence of cancer in experimental animals with the [certainty of evidence] being strongest for malignant heart schwannomas and gliomas” (brain tumors).

This finding runs counter to the stated views of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the WHO itself, as well those of most national health agencies.

The open access paper, which runs more than 75 manuscript pages in the journal Environment International, was published on April 25.

‘High Certainty’ Cellphone Radiation Linked to Cancer in Animals, WHO Study Finds

‘High Certainty’ Cellphone Radiation Linked to Cancer in Animals, WHO Study Finds

Experts say it’s time for the World Health Organization to classify wireless radiation as a “known human carcinogen,” after a review commissioned by the organization concluded there is “high certainty” evidence that cellphone radiation exposure causes two types of cancer in animals.

by Suzanne Burdick, Ph.D., childrenshealthdefense.org, April 28, 2025

A systematic review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded there is “high certainty” evidence that cellphone radiation exposure causes two types of cancer in animals.

The WHO-backed review, published online April 25 in Environmental International, determined radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by cellphones and other wireless devices were linked to an increased risk of malignant gliomas in the brain and malignant schwannomas, or nerve tumors, in the heart in studies on animals. The review noted that both tumor types had previously been found in studies on humans.

The WHO’s review also concluded there is “moderate certainty” evidence that cellphone radiation exposure causes an increased risk of rare liver and adrenal gland tumors.

Continue reading:
https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/high-certainty-cellphone-radiation-cancer-animals-who-study/

United States: Petition to the FDA to protect children from wireless radiation in schools

Would you like to do something about wireless radiation in schools?
Posted on March 19, 2025 by LVsA

If you’re a parent or grandparent, teacher or administrator, or belong to an organization concerned with the welfare of children, you can sign on as a petitioner! Just visit the ART website and add your name before midnight on Tuesday, March 25th.

And thank you!

Read and Join the Petition to the FDA

Americans for Responsible Technology – 19mar2025.

Switzerland: Smartphones harm teenagers more than previously thought – schools impose cell phone bans

Smartphones harm teenagers more than previously thought – schools impose cell phone bans
Patrik Müller / ch media, watson.ch, 10 August 2024 - auto-translation

Goodbye to personal responsibility: A rethink is taking place at secondary schools in Switzerland. The fact that smartphone bans are gaining majority support is also due to a "bible" from America - and five specific dangers.

(Photo): The usual picture: Can it be changed with bans?symbolic image: Getty

The summer holidays are coming to an end, and on Monday classrooms in many cantons will be filled up again. Not everything is the same as before. Around 1,100 pupils at the Burghalde school in Baden AG are expecting a new rule. Smartphones are prohibited in the buildings. "The requirement that young people be able to regulate their mobile phone use independently was too high," the school administration explained the turnaround in a letter to parents.

For a Growing Number of Kids, Back to School Means No Cellphones

For a Growing Number of Kids, Back to School Means No Cellphones
by Suzanne Burdick, Ph.D., childrenshealthdefense.org, 28 August 2024

More and more schools are banning the use of cellphones during the school day, citing research that links teen smartphone use to mental health harm.

Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on Aug. 21 became one of the latest to adopt a new policy to lock away cellphones and other smart devices — such as earbuds, headphones and smartwatches — during school hours, reported the MV Times.

According to EdSource, schools are enacting such policies “to curb bullying, classroom distractions, and to combat addiction to the devices.”

France: Lenovo TAB P 11 Tablet Exceeds Regulatory Radiofrequency Radiation Limit

The Lenovo TAB P 11 tablet does not comply with European regulatory exposure limits protecting users' health. This is the second connected object (excluding cell phones) to be pinned in France in the space of a few days! The level of overexposure is the highest ever recorded since controls began.

List of dangerous connected objects withdrawn or updated
By : Phonegate Team • 6 Aug 2024

Since our creation in 2018, Phonegate Alert has consistently called on French, European and international public authorities to implement controls on exposure to radiofrequencies (RF) from the many dangerous connected objects used in contact with the body (tablets, laptops, watches, glasses, virtual reality headsets, hearing aids, etc.). We are therefore delighted to be able to provide you with this new complementary list to that of dangerous cell phones.

Major overexposure for the Lenovo TAB P11 tablet

In a press release published on August 5, 2024, the French National Frequencies Agency (ANFR) announces that it has pinpointed the Lenovo TAB P11 tablet for the highest level of overexposure at body level ever recorded, during a test, to date.

France: List of dangerous connected objects withdrawn or updated

List of dangerous connected objects withdrawn or updated
By : Phonegate Team • 1 Aug 2024

Since our creation in 2018, Phonegate Alert has consistently called on French, European and international public authorities to implement controls on exposure to radiofrequencies (RF) from the many dangerous connected objects used in contact with the body (tablets, laptops, watches, glasses, virtual reality headsets, hearing aids, etc.). We are therefore delighted to be able to provide you with this new complementary list to that of dangerous cell phones.

Zebra ET45CA tablet: first high-risk connected object tested in France

With the announcement on July 25, 2024, by the Agence nationale des fréquences (ANFR), of the first inspection of the Zebra ET45CA tablet for non-compliance, we are pleased to note a very first step in the right direction.

The professional-grade Zebra ET45CA tablet has been tested by the accredited German laboratory Cetecom Advanced, with a measured SAR “member” exceedance of 4.586 W/kg for a limit of 4W/kg (the test is not available in the DATA base).

A software update has been carried out by the manufacturer and tested in the laboratory to bring the exposure level down to 2.41 W/kg.