Wonder

WiFi Legislation: Children

Delivered September 18, 2019. Contributor: Dagmawit W.

Goals

To understand the state of legislation/policy around the world with respect to regulating the use of Wi-Fi specifically around children, to understand if there has been any movement on regulating products that have Wi-Fi, to identify countries (globally) and which states have had activity in this area within the past 5-10 years in order to decide to add Wi-Fi to a new product aimed at children.

Early Findings

EFFECTS OF WIFI ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH
As children spend more time on screens, public schools are noting an increase in eye problems, memory deficits, and behavioral problems.
Young girls are increasing their risk of breast cancer as they put their phones in their bras.
Exposure to WiFi radiation can cause children to feel anxious, tired, get headaches, and have poor concentration.
 Radio Frequency Radiation from wireless devices is of great concern as it affects children.
AUSTRALIA
In 2002, Australia established the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Standard which schools have to adhere to.
These guidelines were set following the 1998 International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines.
Australia follows the international exposure limit that is set to (3500- 10000mW/m2).
This upper limit is rather high when it comes to exposure for children. Other countries like Russia have set their limit to one percent of what Australia has, 100 mW/m2. China is set to 0.6% (60 mW/m2), Switzerland at 40 mW/m2 (0.4%), and Luxembourg at 20 mW/m2 (0.2%).
USA
For public schools and publicly funded libraries, at least 27 states across the US have regulations that limit its use to prevent exposure to explicit content. 
Some states require schools and publicly funded institutions to install filtering software on their computers/terminals.
New York does not allow cell towers within school property.
 This source provides the state by state regulation on WiFi in public schools and libraries.
This source provides a list of legislation from various states surrounding schools and cell towers, WiFi in the classroom, and devices.
GLOBAL STATE
Children in Irish schools face a great health risk from unregulated WiFi.
One school that was tested was found to have 1,000 times the recommended level of WiFi radiation from a system that was powered on all day.
In Israel, the situation is different;
WiFi is banned for children up to the age of six years.
Up until third grade, children are permitted to have only one hour of access.
Up until sixth grade, children are permitted to have one to two hours of access.
The WiFi is turned off after use.
Taiwan has placed a fine of £1,000 on any parent who allows their babies under the age of two to have access to electronic devices. 
Taiwan also limits the amount of time allowed for all children under the age of 18. 

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