National Association for Children and Safe Technology

Best Practices for Schools

“It is in the best interest of the District, its Board, and the children, teachers and staff the District protects to provide healthy and safe school environments. ...Failing to select wired over wireless technologies will needlessly expose hundreds of thousands of school children, as well as faculty and staff of LAUSD to massive new and unnecessary RFR exposures that are already designated as a Possible Human Carcinogen. ...Instead, the Board should adopt programs to expand wired internet infrastructure and “EMF/RFR best practices” including the use of wired (CAT-6 or other), cable modem internet, or fiber optic connections instead that do not produce toxic exposures.”

-Cindy Sage of the Bioinitiative Recommendations to the LAUSD.
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Best practices refers to "what works best " in a particular situation.  We recommend scientifically based and professionally recommended "Best practices" for integrating technology. 

Currently schools are choosing wireless systems over hardwired systems as WIFI  seems convenient and easy to install.  However, these systems will expose students and staff to microwave radiation 6 hours a day.  Once children's health is  factored in to the decision making process, the choice becomes clear. Choose the least hazardous option!


Best Practice = 100% Safe Technology = Wired Ethernet Connections

Schools can Educate Students on SAFE TECHNOLOGY Practices

So when Kids go home, they will know Safe Tech!

The Environmental Health Trust has started such an initiative in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
  • They run an education curriculum in the schools teaching kids safer ways to use their TECH.  They even have a Student Art and Technology Contest every year.  We have the 2012 Winner here for you to watch.    Great MUSIC!

The Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools


The well-respected Collaborative for High Performance Schools has developed a Best Practices Manual to help schools, districts and practitioners to achieve high performance design, construction and operation in school construction. Their Best Practices Manual NE-CHPS 3.0 was developed with input from architects, engineers, and state agencies throughout the region.

Version 3.0  has Low-EMF Best Practices in the INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Section (USA) These guidelines detail how to maintain internet connections without the health risks of wireless radiation. 
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For example: 


  • EQ 15.2.2 Wired local area network (LAN) to reduce RF EMF·

  • Install a wired local area network (LAN) for Internet access throughout the school.  Provide wired network connections for desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, and tablets. All wireless transmitters shall be disabled on all Wi-Fi-enabled devices.  Provide wired input devices for computer workstations.


  • EQ 15.2.3 Wired Phones to reduce RF EMF in classroom·

  • Install easily accessible hard-wired phones for teacher and student use and prohibit installation and use of standard DECT cordless phones and cordless phones operating at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz unless they have been laboratory tested to demonstrate that the cordless phone base station and handsets (whether placed in the charging station or not) do not emit RF EMF emissions in standby mode.
  • Prohibit the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices in instructional areas / classrooms. Additionally, they shall be required to be powered off or be in airplane mode (sleep mode is not sufficient) except during fire-life-safety drills and incidents.

EQ 15.2.1 Low EMF Best Practices for Computers

 The District or equivalent governing body for a private school shall pass a resolution requiring:

  •  Desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, and tablets be operated on a desk; operation of these devices on an occupant’s lap or body is prohibited; computer workstation equipment must be greater than 2 feet from occupants.
  • Desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, and tablets be TCO-certified or laboratory tested to meet TCO Criteria “Mandate A.4.2” for EMF emissions.
  • Laptops or notebooks have an Ethernet port and a physical switch to conveniently disable all wireless radios at once and an adaptor with a 3-pin plug.
  • Only tablets that support a USB Ethernet adaptor for a wired network connection; operate tablets only in battery mode and not when plugged in., AND use a Wired Network




Want to Read a School Policy that incorporates Best Practices? Download the Upper Sturt Wireless Policy Here. 


Want to read about a US School that pulled out the wireless and put in 100% safe internet connections? Here. 


Schools around the world are making headlines with Best Practices. 



Ghent, Finland Pre-Schools and Day Cares:   Wi-fi banned 

Upper Sturt Primary School, Australia opts for “No WIFI”

The St. Augustine School in Italy turned off Wifi and goes back to Wires.

Winlaw Elementary School, B.C. Canada turned off WiFi.

Te Horo Primary School New Zealand: Replaced WIFI with cable-based internet.

Blaise-Cendrars High School, Switzerland. Teachers vote to remove WiFi. 

City of Lakes Waldorf School, WiFi taken out, Minneapolis, Minnesota USA

Aurora School in Ontario removed Wifi and replaced with hardwired.

North Cariboo Christian School in Quesnel, B.C., removed Wi-fi .

Pretty River Academy in Ontario no WiFi.

Wayside Academy, Peterborough, Ontario no Wi Fi.

Roots and Wings Montessori , BC Surrey,  removed Wi-Fi.

Ontario St. Vincent Euphrasia elementary school: Parents voted to turn off Wi-Fi.

HEROUVILLE-SAINT-CLAIR wi-fi networks removed.