Parents in Barrie, Ontario are growing concerned that children are having illness symptoms during the school week and get better on weekends. Barrie is a small town with a population of 10,000 and 200 miles northeast from Detroit, Michigan. Parents are pointing the finger toward the school's Internet wireless network and demanding it be turned off to see if the health of children improves.
School Internet Controversy in Barrie, Ontario
Parents are communicating with each other and finding that their children seem to have the same symptoms during the school week.
- headaches
- memory loss
- trouble concentrating
- skin rashes
- hyperactivity
- night sweats
- dizziness
- nausea
- racing heart rates [1]
However, on weekends, these symptoms seem to disappear. Could the Wi-Fi wireless system be making students ill? Parents want the systems to be shut off to see if the symptoms disappear. The school board would not even discuss the matter. The parent concerns were totally ignored.
Harvard Researcher States that Wi-Fi Technology Can be Harmful
A former research consultant to Harvard School of Public Health, Susan Clarke, agrees with the concerned parents. Clarke believes that Wi-Fi technology actually alters fundamental physiological functioning in children and can cause neurological and cardiac symptoms. Perhaps, the parents in Barrie have connected the dots. "We have the physics that show that children, especially young children, are going to absorb much more radiation than older children and adults because of their thinner skulls and because the size of their brains more closely approximates the size of the wavelength being deployed," says Clark. [1]
Clarke adds information on the topic by stating that wireless technology wastes energy. Wired connections are much more secure and Clarke entertains the possibility that wireless connections could actually violate the right to a safe environment. Clarke states, "The simple solution is plug back in the wired, ported system that’s already there and unplug the wireless. It’s real easy and it costs nothing. In fact, it will save money."
Trent University in Peterborough, Ont. does research on the effects of electromagnetic radiation in wireless technology with computers. Professor Magda Havas believes that the effects of electromagnetic radiation are a concern in wireless systems and cellphone use in schools. Havas also states that claims by Health Canada stating that Wi-Fi is safe is outdated information and needs to be updated with new research. Havas states, "It is irresponsible to introduce Wi-Fi microwave radiation into a school environment where young children and school employees spend hours each day." [1]
With research on latest technology showing concerns about the safety of wireless Internet in schools, this brings many questions on just how safe small children are in the school setting where wireless technology exists. On the other hand, could something else in the school be causing these symptoms?
[1] "Ont. Parents suspect Wi-Fi making kids sick." The Canadian Press, August 16, 2010.
Barbara Pytel - Email me Experience Although I was never particularly fond of going to school as an ELL student, I ironically became a teacher, ...
