Page 51 - Spring 2019 Journal

overnight and on weekends.34 The district also discovered that students could easily breach the security measures that were supposed to keep them from visiting websites such as Facebook and YouTube.
More troubling than these hassles, however, are the indications that school performance (especially reading and mathematics) is dete- riorating in the countries that have “invested the most in introducing computers in schools.”35 Children’s ability to store memories and knowl- edge is declining due to the rapid shifting of focus between tasks, and devices are pulling time and concentration away from schoolwork due to users’ constant access to messages and “digital amusements.”35,36
In Uruguay—which launched an ambitious One Laptop Per Child initiative in 2006 (called Plan Ceibal)—evaluations have repeatedly showed no improvement in students’ academic results at any socioeconomic level; the report describing the lack of improvement states that the findings are consistent “with most of the literature on the impact of the use of comput- ers for learning, which found null or negative results.”37 However, this has not stopped Plan
Ceibal’s proponents from pushing for a nation- wide wireless network and a massive Internet of Things infrastructure, ostensibly to ensure efficient “device maintenance and replacement” and reduced “downtime” for users.38
IMPACTS COMING HOME TO ROOST
The twenty-first century has been marked by “aggressive development” of wireless com- munications, including not only the proliferation of mobile phones and Wi-Fi but also “exponen- tially increasing RF radiation from base sta- tions and satellites”—translating into nonstop exposure, for “both biosphere and mankind,” to a “multitude of...RF signals.”39 Although these technological developments have brought social and economic benefits to some sectors of soci- ety, many experts are deeply concerned about our inability to assess, predict and manage the
health consequences.13,39
The literature already documents a number
of troubling spillover effects on health, includ- ing ergonomic problems; increased risk of overweight and obesity; impaired development of mirror neurons; declining empathy; risk of depression and other mental health problems;
School performance is deteriorating in the countries that have “invested the most in introducing computers in schools.”
RECOMMENDATIONS AT HOME
At home, the safest option is to eschew wireless connections entirely and use only wired (Ethernet) connections. Although this option may seem quaint to those who have grown accustomed to “anytime, anywhere” access, Ethernet connections offer greater peace of mind in terms of radiation exposure. The Environmental Health Trust (EHT) points out, for example, that “more data = higher radiation,” meaning that wireless streaming of music or videos will produce a higher radiation intensity.19 Instead of streaming, EHT recommends either pre-downloading or watching or listening using a wired connection.
EHT offers the following additional recommendations for safer tablet (or laptop) use:19
• Set up wired Ethernet connections throughout the home.
• If you choose to stick with Wi-Fi rather than wired connections, turn off the router at night and keep the router
away from bedrooms.
• Do not purchase a tablet unless it can be used non-wirelessly. Connect the tablet (or laptop) to Ethernet with
an adapter and cord. The adapters will vary depending on the tablet’s make and model.
• Turn on airplane mode.
• Set the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other antennas to OFF (this requires careful checking).
• Always place the tablet on a table, not the body, even when wireless antennas are turned off.
• Do not use devices when there is a poor connection.
• Avoid using devices in cars, elevators, trains and buses.
Other recommendations pertinent to children include keeping electronic devices out of children’s bedrooms and turning off all screens at least thirty minutes before bedtime. Never allow children to sleep with a wireless device under their pillow (this also applies to college students)!
SPRING 2019
Wise Traditions
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