Schools should be safe learning environments for children. Due to mounting science linking exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with adverse effects, numerous scientific experts and professional organizations including the New Hampshire State Commission, Collaborative for High Performance Schools, and Santa Clara County Medical Association recommend reducing EMF exposure in classrooms to protect children’s health

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible energized waves. Classrooms are densely packed with multiple sources of EMF emissions, increasing children’s daily exposure. 

• Wireless RF Radiation: All wireless devices – including cell phones, laptops, tablets, and Wi-Fi routers – emit a form of EMF known as radiofrequency (RF) radiation. 
• EMF: Power lines, charging cords, and electrical wireless and equipment are sources of extremely low frequency EMF (also referred to as ELF-EMF magnetic fields but usually simply EMF).

Scientific research has linked exposure to wireless radiofrequency (RF) and other non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and a range of biological effects, including impacts on the immune, neurological, reproductive, and endocrine systems, as well as increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, memory and sleep disturbances, and cancer.

No Federal Safeguards for School Exposure to EMFs

Children typically spend up to seven hours a day in school, and yet there are no regulations for allowable exposure to EMF magnetic fields in the school environment. Federal human exposure limits exist for frequencies of EMF radiation used for wireless technology, but these limits have not been updated since 1996 and are based only on exposure to adults, ignoring children’s increased vulnerability.  

As an example of the research concluding that federal regulations lack protection for children, the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (ICBE-EMF) published a study in the journal Environmental Health concluding that current wireless exposure limits are at least 200 times too high to protect from cancer risk with 8 hours of exposure per day, based on an EPA analysis of data from the U.S. National Toxicology Program.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has written several letters to the FCC calling on them to update their 1996 wireless safety limits to protect children, stating that:  

“Current FCC standards do not account for the unique vulnerability and use patterns specific to pregnant women and children. It is essential that any new standard for cell phones or other wireless devices be based on protecting the youngest and most vulnerable populations to ensure they are safeguarded throughout their lifetimes.”

Children’s still developing bodies are more vulnerable to environmental exposures such as EMFs. Therefore, reducing unnecessary electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in schools is a basic public health measure.

Practical Strategies for Classrooms and Technology Systems

Reducing EMF exposure in schools can be accomplished through a combination of technology infrastructure choices, classroom practices, strategic equipment placement, and network configuration adjustments. As detailed in Clegg et al (2018), the most effective strategy to minimize RF radiation is to prioritize wired connections instead of wireless systems, which can significantly reduce continuous exposure for students, teachers, and staff. 

Schools should also mitigate extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields produced by electrical equipment. Research by Park et. al (2020) measuring ELF magnetic fields in classrooms shows that exposures can vary significantly depending on the location of electrical equipment, wiring, and student seating positions, and that exposure decreases substantially with distance from the source. 

The following recommendations outline practical steps schools can take to reduce unnecessary EMF exposure while maintaining reliable technology access.

Prioritize Wired Technology

Whenever possible, schools should use wired internet and communication systems instead of Wi-Fi and wireless networks. Wired connections can substantially reduce ongoing wireless radiation exposures while also providing stable and reliable network performance.

Recommended actions include:

• Install Ethernet-based internet networks rather than Wi-Fi systems.
• Place Ethernet ports in classrooms and common areas to make wired access convenient.
• Ensure computers, tablets, and other devices can easily connect via Ethernet cables when making purchasing decisions
• Connect classroom technology such as printers, projectors, audio systems, smart boards, keyboards, and peripherals using wired connections.
• When devices are connected by cable, ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas are disabled so that radios are not transmitting unnecessarily.
• Use corded telephones instead of cordless phones.
• Hardwire security systems and building monitoring equipment.
• No cell towers on or near school property. 

Note: Even when wireless networks remain in use, increasing reliance on wired connections can significantly reduce wireless signal inside classrooms.

School-wide Policies That Minimize EMF

Policies that promote learning and limit distraction from phones and digital devices also reduce exposure. 

Recommended measures include:

• Phones off and away all day so that personal device use during the school day is limited unless required for instruction.
• Restricting personal hotspots or unsupervised wireless device use in classrooms.
• Extending device policies to school buses, where metal structures can increase signal reflections and increase exposure.
• Providing non-wireless communication options so students can contact parents when needed or vice versa. This is very important especially as after school plans may change etc. and there needs to be an easy means of communication. Schools can support this by allowing access to the main office phone, designated student phones, or supervised messaging systems. 

Classroom Technology Practices to Reduce EMF Exposure

Simple classroom practices can further reduce exposure while supporting responsible technology use.

The best policy for cell phones is that they be off and away all day. The policy should also apply to smartwatches and other non-educational internet-connected electronics. We offer recommendations assuming a “no cell phone” policy is in place. 

Recommended classroom routines include:

• At the beginning of class, remind students to turn off and store personal phones and digital devices.
• Encourage students to keep devices away from their bodies when they must be used.
• When phones are needed for educational purposes such as photography or video recording, place devices in airplane mode and disable wireless functions including cellular service, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, location services, and hotspot features. 
• Post clear classroom policies about device use at room entrances and within classrooms.

Low EMF Curriculum Planning and Technology Use

Technology can often be structured in ways that reduce continuous wireless connectivity while still utilized as effective teaching tools.

Consider the following approaches:

• Download curriculum materials, applications, and files before class so Wi-Fi is not required during instruction.
• Use preloaded applications and resources instead of cloud-based services when possible.
• Schedule specific times for internet use rather than requiring students to remain connected throughout class periods.
• Avoid assignments that require students to continuously search the internet using personal devices.
• Encourage students to develop research questions first and conduct online research during designated periods.
• Store laptop carts outside classrooms and avoid charging devices near students.
• Use classroom screens or projectors for video content instead of individual streaming or virtual-reality devices.

Wireless Network Configuration

Even when Wi-Fi networks are necessary, exposure levels can often be reduced through simple configuration changes to wireless access points (WAPs). Many routers are shipped with settings optimized for maximum coverage rather than for confined environments like classrooms. Enterprise systems can cover areas up to 2,000 square feet, meaning default transmit power levels are often much higher than required for a single classroom. Adjusting power settings, limiting active radio bands, and modifying beacon signal intervals can reduce overall RF radiation emissions while maintaining reliable connectivity. These adjustments are typically made through the network management software used by the school’s IT staff.

Configuration adjustments include:

• Reduce transmit power on wireless access points. Most systems default to 100% power on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. In classrooms where a dedicated access point is installed, transmit power can often be reduced to around 25% or lower without affecting device connectivity. Lower power can also improve network performance by reducing interference between nearby access points.
• Adjust transmit power settings through network management software. Many systems allow administrators to modify power levels through an online interface. For example Netgear routers allow adjustment through Transmit Power Control settings. Cisco Meraki systems allow administrators to modify Target Power settings for both radio bands.
• Limit the number of active radio bands. Most wireless access points broadcast two frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If each classroom has its own access point, the 2.4 GHz band may be disabled, leaving only the 5 GHz band active. This can reduce total RF emissions while maintaining strong local connectivity.
• Increase the beacon signal interval. Wireless access points send periodic “beacon” signals that announce the network to nearby devices and provide connection information such as SSID, timestamps, and connection parameters. Most routers default to a 100 millisecond beacon interval. Increasing the interval, for example to 1000 milliseconds, reduces the number of beacon transmissions while still allowing devices to connect.
• Test network performance after configuration changes. Adjustments should be evaluated to ensure connectivity and performance remain stable while minimizing unnecessary wireless transmissions.

Schools should work with their IT provider or network administrator to determine the appropriate configuration for their specific wireless system.

Reducing Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Magnetic Fields

In addition to wireless signals, schools should consider exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) produced by electrical infrastructure and electronic equipment. Studies measuring ELF fields in classrooms show that exposure levels vary significantly depending on the location of electrical equipment, wiring, distribution boxes, and student seating positions, and that exposure decreases substantially with distance from these sources. ELF exposure can increase where electrical wiring is poorly shielded or placed close to occupied areas.

Common Sources of ELF Fields in Classrooms:

• Electrical distribution panels
• Power cables and wiring under floors or walls
• Desktop computers and monitors
• Printers and projectors
• Air conditioners and heaters
• Laptop charging carts
• Power adapters and transformers

Schools can reduce ELF exposure through infrastructure design and equipment placement. Because magnetic field strength declines rapidly with distance, even modest separation can significantly reduce exposure.

Recommended measures include:

Increase distance from electrical sources.

• Maintain distance between student seating and electrical distribution boxes, wiring runs, and major equipment.

• Avoid placing student desks directly against walls that contain heavy electrical wiring.

Reduce equipment clustering.

• Avoid concentrating multiple electrical devices in areas where students sit for extended periods.
• Locate printers, projectors, and other electronic equipment away from student desks.

Manage charging systems, as laptop carts and charging stations can generate localized ELF magnetic fields.

• Place charging carts outside classrooms when possible.
• Avoid charging devices near student seating areas.
• Disconnect chargers when devices are fully charged.

Consider classroom layout and seating.

• Evaluate seating arrangements relative to electrical infrastructure.
• Maintain distance between students and major electrical equipment.

Improve electrical wiring layout. 

• Ensure electrical wiring is properly shielded and installed according to electrical code.
• Avoid running high-current wiring directly beneath student seating areas.
• Maintain separation between classrooms and electrical rooms or large power distribution equipment.

Monitoring and Measurement of EMF Levels

Regular measurement and monitoring of electromagnetic fields is an important part of managing exposure in school environments. Field measurements provide objective information about actual conditions and help identify areas where adjustments can mitigate exposure. 

Recommended monitoring practices include:

• Conduct EMF measurements at least once per year.
• Perform additional measurements whenever new technology, electrical systems, or wireless infrastructure are installed.
• Measure both radiofrequency (RF) radiation and ELF magnetic fields.
• Measure at student seating locations, teacher workstations, and near electrical equipment.
• Evaluate measurements at multiple heights and distances to understand exposure patterns.
• Measurements should be performed by qualified personnel using appropriate instruments capable of measuring both RF and ELF fields.

Education and Community Awareness

Schools can support safer technology use through education on how and why to reduce exposure.

Educational initiatives include:

• Age-appropriate lessons can be incorporated into science, health, or digital literacy curricula to help students practice a healthier tech relationship and to make informed choices. Topics may include practical strategies to reduce exposure, digital wellness, ethics, international comparisons, etc. 
• Parent education sessions on technology use and strategies to reduce screentime and wireless/EMF exposure at home.
• Workshops demonstrating how to create wired home computer workstations.
• Student discussions about digital well-being, screen use, and technology habits.
• Staff training on school technology policies and safer device practices.

Scientific Research on EMF Exposure 

Bellieni, C. V., Pinto, I., Bogi, A., Zoppetti, N., Andreuccetti, D., & Buonocore, G. (2012). Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields From Laptop Use of “Laptop” Computers. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health, 67(1), 31–36. 

Clegg, F. M., Sears, M., Friesen, M., Scarato, T., Metzinger, R., Russell, C., Stadtner, A., & Miller, A. B. (2020). Building science and radiofrequency radiation: What makes smart and healthy buildings. Building and Environment, 176, 106324.  

Hedendahl, L. K., Carlberg, M., Koppel, T., & Hardell, L. (2017). Measurements of Radiofrequency Radiation with a Body-Borne Exposimeter in Swedish Schools with Wi-Fi. Frontiers in Public Health, 5. 

Lennart Hardell, Mona Nilsson. High Radiofrequency Radiation in the Surroundings of 10 Schools in Örebro. Fortune Journal of Health Sciences. 8 (2025): 306-310.

Park, J., Jeong, E., & Seomun, G. (2020). Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields Exposure Measurement during Lessons in Elementary Schools. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5284.  

Norton Escopelli Soares , Giovani Bulla , Claudio E. Fernández-Rodríguez , Alvaro A. A. de Salles. “SAR Estimations in a Classroom with Wireless Computers” Journal of Microwaves, Optoelectronics and Electromagnetic Applications, Vol. 24, No. 2, e2025288526 May 2025 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2179-10742025v24i3288526

International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (ICBE-EMF), (2022). Scientific evidence invalidates health assumptions underlying the FCC and ICNIRP exposure limit determinations for radiofrequency radiation: implications for 5G. Environ Health. Oct 18;21(1):92.  

Miller, A. B., Sears, M. E., Morgan, L. L., Davis, D. L., Hardell, L., Oremus, M., & Soskolne, C. L. (2019). Risks to Health and Well-Being From Radio-Frequency Radiation Emitted by Cell Phones and Other Wireless Devices. Frontiers in Public Health, 7.  

Miller, A. B., Morgan, L. L., Udasin, I., & Davis, D. L. (2018). Cancer epidemiology update, following the 2011 IARC evaluation of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (Monograph 102). Environmental Research, 167, 673–683.