Protecting Children’s Health in the Digital Age

Amidst our technology-filled world, a significant health concern is emerging that transcends political boundaries—the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on our children’s developing bodies. This issue touches all of us who care deeply about the next generation, regardless of our political perspectives or affiliations.

There is a new focus on the wellbeing of our children and their health which is quite heartening to me. This focus represents a major step toward understanding environmental influences that might affect their health in ways we’re only beginning to comprehend.

The concern is especially meaningful when we consider that children’s developing bodies are more vulnerable—their thinner skulls and developing systems absorb up to 10x more wireless radiation compared to adults. As parents, caregivers, educators, and community members, this information should naturally stir our protective instincts.

The following is quite astonishing: A National Toxicology Program’s (NTP) comprehensive study revealed some concerning findings about radiofrequency radiation. The $30 million study, which took about 10 years to complete in 2018, found clear evidence of cancer and DNA damage. Yet in January, 2024, the NTP announced it had no plans to further study the effects of cellphone radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on human health!

What could possibly be a valid reason to pause such an important investigation?

We need to unite around a shared value—creating the safest possible environment for our children to grow and thrive. This also means taking immediate precautions in how we introduce and manage technology in our children’s lives while supporting continued research. The precautionary principle states “if a product, an action or a policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or to the environment, protective action should be supported before there is complete scientific proof of a risk”.

On February 13, 2025, an executive order was issued with the aim of significantly improving the overall health of everyone in the United States. In section 4-a, entitled “Fighting Childhood Chronic Disease” it encouraged the study of contributing causes of childhood chronic diseases including among other things, “ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION, and influence or cronyism“.

No matter what your political leanings or feelings are about the last or the current administration, this initiative can be an important step forward in turning the tide of declining health in the USA and the world.

Here are a few simple immediate steps that could spare your children from having early health issues as they grow to adulthood:

• Encourage regular breaks from computers, tablets and other electronic devices
• Keep all electronics including TVs out of bedrooms or turned off / unplugged at night
• Never hold cellphone against the head. Always use speaker mode or wired headset
• Create tech-free times in your family and school routines
• Encourage your children’s schools to eliminate Wi-Fi and cellular from the classrooms and use only computers connected via ethernet cables.

Together, we can nurture both technological literacy and physical wellbeing in our children, finding that beautiful balance that supports their flourishing in today’s world while protecting their precious health for tomorrow.

Follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn