National Association for Children and Safe Technology

Safe Technology

The Environment

When it comes to technology the environment should be considered at every point in the decision making process.  In order for our children to flourish they must live in a healthy environment with other healthy living things.

‘If we are to deliver on the promise of digital technology to enhance democratic dialogue and facilitate human lifestyles, then we have to make sure it is environmentally safe to use, particularly for the generations to come.”

-Claudia Roda and Susan Perry in Environmental Science & Policy 2014


Plants and Living Systems

A review of the ecological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF)


Nanometer-scale elongation rate fluctuations in the Myriophyllum aquaticum (Parrot feather) stem were altered by radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation.
  • Statistically significant changes from a non thermal effect
Adverse Influence of Radio Frequency Background on Trembling Aspen Seedlings
  •  RF background may have strong adverse effects on growth rate ...and may be an underlying factor in aspen decline
Mobile phone mast effects on common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles

Ants can be used as bio-indicators to reveal biological effects of electromagnetic waves from some wireless apparatus
  • "the linear and angular speed of ants are immediately altered by the presence of EMF/RF fields.  Based on these results, the authors advise users to deactivate the WiFi function of their PC/laptop."
A Video of a European  Conference on the effects of EMFs on Trees.


Bees  and Insects


Cellphone radiation and EMFs have been found  to affect changes in honey bee behaviour .


For example, when a constantly transmitting DECT-base station was put next to a hive, many bees could not return back to hive and bees behaved aggressively.


Mobile phone-induced honeybee worker piping

Birds, Bees and Mankind
by Dr. Ulrich Warnke,

Changes in honeybee behaviour and biology under the influence of cellphone radiations

Detection and Learning of Floral Electric Fields by Bumblebees


Drosophila oogenesis as a bio-marker responding to EMF sources
  • Exposure to wireless devices such as Wi-Fi, baby monitors, and phones created statistically significant effects regarding reproduction and cell death-apoptosis induction, even at very low intensity levels (0.3 V/m bluetooth radiation), well below ICNIRP's guidelines.

Wireless and Energy


“The problem is that we’re all accessing cloud services – things like webmail, social networking and virtual applications – over wireless networks.
It’s the modern way but wireless is an energy monster, it’s just inherently inefficient. ...


Our calculations show that, in 2015, the wireless networks we use to access cloud services will command around 90% of the energy needed to power the entire wireless cloud services ecosystem….


This is an increase in carbon footprint from 6 megatonnes of CO2 in 2012 to up to 30 megatonnes of CO2 in 2015, the equivalent of adding 4.9 million cars to the roads.


The CEET Report: The Power of Wireless Cloud


Centre for Energy Efficient Telecommunications Bell Labs and the University of Melborne

TED Talk: Sherry Turkle PHD
Dr. Turkle studies how our devices and online personas are redefining human connection and communication.



Here are some issues to consider:
  • Microwave radiation has been shown to affect bee behavior.
  • Microwave radiation has been shown to impact tree and Plant development.
  • The Devices we use are often made in countries by workers who are poorly protected by the toxic elements used in their manufacture.  Many groups are addressing this issue and working to increase worker safety and create devices for sale that are NOT harming families in other countries.
  • Wireless technology is not necessarily energy efficient.  Cloud based services are not energy efficient.  Furthermore, our common practices with technology could be contributing to climate change.  We leave Wi-Fi routers on day and night.  We leave school industrial routers on ALL DAY, even in kindergartens where the children are not using wireless devices.  This results in wasted energy.  Safe technology practices are in step with energy efficient practices.
The Developmental Needs
of Children  


NACST has put together information so you can consider the needs of children as it relates to their ages and stages. Please READ MORE.
Your Physical Health


NACST has put together information so you can use technology safely. Please see the SAFE HOME Page to learn about safe technology practices at home. 


Learn the facts  about Cell Phones, WIFI Routers, iPads  and Laptops and ways to use these devices more intelligently.


Look UP

The above video speaks to the way in which technology without healthy boundaries can result in isolation rather than interaction.
Safe technology refers to the use of technology that supports our overall well being.  It respects our physical health, our mental health, and the developmental needs of children at various life stages.

Practicing safe technology simply means using it in way that supports us and does not harm us.  NACST is committed to providing parents with the information they need to practice safe technology at home and for their children in their schools.

Technology is a learning tool that should be used intelligently and wisely. 

Technology SHOULD:
  • Be SAFE for kids' physical health, not expose them to harmful radiation
  • SUPPORT educational goals rather than BE the educational goal
  • FACILITATE human interaction
  • RESPECT the developmental needs of children.  This means it will promote positive growth  in children.
  • RESPECT the Environment
  • Be ETHICAL and RESPONSIBLE