Schools—state as well as private—decide their own policy on the use or not of wi-fi. Some have decided to stop using it.
• The Prebendal School in Chichester has removed its wi-fi network. The head said: “We listened to the parents’ views. We also did a lot of research. The authorities say it’s safe, but there have been no long-term studies to prove this.” 94
• Ballinderry Primary School in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, disconnected its wi-fi after considering the health concerns expressed by a parent. The principal said: “I wondered if the advantages of wi-fi outweighed the risks to the children and staff. I looked at evidence from both sides and have decided not to use this new technology in our school at present.” 95
• Ysgol Pantycelyn, a comprehensive in Carmarthenshire, has switched off its wi-fi network after parents expressed their concerns. The head teacher said, “the concerns of the parents were of greater importance than our need to have a wireless network.” 96
• Stowe School, the Buckinghamshire public school, removed part of its wi-fi network after a teacher became ill. His reaction to the network was so strong he could not teach. 97
A report prepared for Stowe School contains the following paragraph:
The consequence of such a precautionary approach is that wi-fi is inappropriate for infant, primary and most secondary schools or colleges. Use and exposure in secondary schools could depend on pupil age but, to avoid known health risks, a wired solution is highly preferable. Where pupils are under 18, schools and parents should see their duty of care as protecting children from avoidable radiation. 98