Wireless and EMF Program

PTA Resolutions on Cell Towers and EMF Exposure at Schools 

PTA Resolutions on Cell Towers and EMF Exposure at Schools 


PTAs Across the Country Have Taken Action on Cell Towers Near Schools — Has Yours?

What Parents Need to Know About Cell Towers at Schools

  • Parent teacher organizations across the country have successfully influenced cell tower decisions, including stopping or relocating proposed sites.
  • Local action matters. Many PTA efforts begin at the individual school level.
  • Resolutions and letters can carry significant weight with school boards and local officials.
  • You do not need to be an expert to successfully get a resolution passed. 

Across the United States, a growing number of Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) have taken action on a critical children’s environmental health issue: cell towers near schools. From California to Connecticut to New York, state PTAs have issued resolutions to prevent health risks related to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Numerous local PTAs have also used their voice to influence decisions about cell towers and school safety.

In many cases, these efforts have successfully delayed, modified, or stopped cell tower proposals altogether. When parents organize through PTAs, they can shape policies that impact their children’s daily environment.

So here’s the question:
Has your PTA taken a position on cell towers near your school?

Parent teacher organizations are uniquely positioned to advocate for student well-being, and action often starts with just a few engaged parents. Whether it’s introducing a resolution, requesting a discussion at a meeting, or sharing examples from other PTAs, change can begin at the local level. 

If you’re concerned about cell tower placement near schools, now is the time to act. Talk to your Parent Teacher organization, connect with other parents, and bring the issue forward. If you would like an expert presentation to your school community, please reach out to us at emfprogram@ehsciences.org or using the form on our website. 

Resources from Other PTAs Can Help Guide Your Approach.

New York State PTA

“Resolved that the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. support legislation that would encourage local communities, including parents and school officials, to regulate the placement of cell towers and cell tower antennas particularly in schools and areas where children congregate,

and be it further Resolved that the New York State PTA support continued research into the long‐term effects of radio frequency and microwave frequencies on humans especially as they apply to children, and be it further Resolved that the New York State PTA seek to educate parents and school officials as to the current debate over the placement of cell towers and antennas.”

California State PTA

“Resolved: That the California State PTA educate aid inform its districts, councils, and units about the potential hazards of EMFs and encourage school districts and schools to develop risk reduction policies and continue to disseminate information on the subject as it becomes available.”

“Lessons learned from studies on smoking, asbestos, second-hand smoke, and radon must not be ignored. We have an obligation to learn from the past and protect our children by reducing their exposure to what is clearly a serious and potential health hazard.”

Conejo CA PTA

“The California PTA advocates on behalf of children and families. They advocate against electromagnetic field radiation in schools.”

“Most people don’t realize that the 1996 FCC state standards for safe levels of emission was actually based on a level set by the American national standards institute in 1982. Well this standard has not been changed in 30 years it has usurped all local authority.”

“For this reason, Conejo Council PTA made up of 9000 parents and teachers has decided to take action. We’re calling on our local leaders to put in place policies that would ensure parents are notified when cell towers are proposed near schools and then encourage a buffer zone around schools.”

Neelsville Middle School, CA PTA

“By separate unanimous vote, the Neelsville PTSA resolved to actively oppose the placement of a cell tower on Neelsville Middle School property…. In the alternative, the Neelsville PTSA requests that any application or action to place a cell tower on Neelsville property be rejected on the basis of the firm opposition of Neelsville parents, students, community, and PTSA.”

Hillsmere Elementary School, MD PTA

“The installment of a mini-cell on a pole adjacent to Hillsmere poses significant health dangers to both students and staff at Hillsmere…. Data from independently, nonpartisan sponsored studies, indicate the opposite. Scientists and health care professionals are increasingly expressing concerns regarding both the overall roll-out of the 5G network, and the presence of mini-cells and cell towers near schools specifically.”

“We could go on and on citing studies and appeals from scientists and health care professionals to put a halt to placement of mini-cells near schools – but the bottom line is this: 1) there is evidence that exposure to current wireless radiation causes harm; and 2) there are too many unknowns about the full impact of future wireless technology. Research also shows that children and pregnant women are the most vulnerable – two demographics most likely to be on school grounds on a regular basis.

“Given the current evidence of the potential harm of exposure to wireless radiation – plus the very fact that the studies cited by those in support of mini-cells near schools all say “more studies are needed” – the Board should not be supporting the placement of a mini-cell on a pole adjacent to Hillsmere (or any school).7 We should not be placing our students and teachers in environments with mini-cells or other wireless technology that have not yet been supported by peer-reviewed, evidenced-based, studies.”

Forest Grove Elementary, Pacific Grove Middle School, & Pacific Grove High School CA PTAs

“The installment of a cell tower adjacent to PGHS poses significant potential health dangers to both students and staff at PGHS…. The actual placement of the cell tower- near the back of PGHS and very close to Forest Grove Elementary School- only increases the concerns of the frequency in exposure.”

“Cell towers also pose a risk to students due to fire hazard. Many cell towers throughout the United States have caught fire and collapsed, posing a significant safety concern, especially in an area with young students walking to and from school every day.”

“The mission of all PTAs nationwide is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Our local PTA is very active in expressing our support for or opposition to issues dealing with the health, safety, education, or general well-being of children and youth in our community.”

Resolutions & Letters from PTAs