Do children and technology mix well? Recent findings from France's National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) suggest not. Researchers highlight children as a particularly sensitive group due to their developing organs and physiological functions, as detailed in their comprehensive report.
Studied devices include children's phones and tablets, radio-controlled toys, walkie-talkies, and baby monitors—common sources of electromagnetic waves. These may impact cognitive functions like memory, attention, psychomotor skills, and language, as well as well-being factors such as fatigue, sleep issues, stress, and anxiety. ANSES notes the evidence is suggestive but not definitive. "Current international literature does not conclusively show effects on children's behavior, auditory functions, development, reproductive or immune systems, or cancer risk," the report states.
What can parents do? Phones emit the strongest waves, says Olivier Merckel, ANSES head of risk assessment for new technologies. Key habits include: keeping phones away from the face, using hands-free kits or speakerphone for calls, enabling airplane mode during play, downloading shows instead of streaming, and delaying device introduction as long as possible. Simple changes can make a big difference—start today!
