PRIMARY-PULLS-PLUG-ON-WIFI.4435678.jp
28 August 2008
AS children across the city prepare to head back for the new term, one local school is so concerned about the possible health affects of the Wi-Fi network - a way of connecting computers to the internet without cables - it has decided not to use the system.
Local community worker Susan Kyle with Ian Thompson principal of Ballinderry Primary School who is against the idea of the school receiving wireless internet. US3408-119AO Picture By: Aidan O'Reilly
The Principal of Ballinderry Primary, Mr Ian Thomson, said he reached his decision, even though the technology has been installed, after a parent approached him sharing her fears that not enough is known about the effects the wireless technology could have on the children and teachers using it.
He explained: "Earlier this year the Department of Education released funds for additional laptops so that the Year 5 children could complete computer based assessments. Part of the deal was the installation of Wi-Fi Technology.
"We experienced difficulties with the new system, connections failed and a lot of teacher time was wasted with initial teething troubles. The teachers persevered and we succeeded in completing the assessments on time.
"It was interesting, when Mrs. Parker, a member of our PTA, approached me with information regarding the possible adverse effects of the radiation produced by Wi-Fi equipment. I was left to ponder if the advantages of Wi-Fi outweighed the risks to the children and staff. I looked at the evidence from both sides and decided not to use Wi-Fi in our school at present."
Local community worker Susan Kyle said that she too is worried.
"As a parent of a child who is beginning school next week I am very concerned about the information I have received from scientific reports and the practices used in other countries on the use of WiFi in schools and its potential affect to children's health.
"With a group of other concerned parents we are seeking further information to ensure our children get the best education in the safest environment possible. There is an alternative - cabling can be used instead of WiFi."
Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said he has a met a number of parents from Lisburn area who are concerned and confused by the conflicting information given on the safety of Wi-Fi technology in schools.
He commented: "I have helped arranged for international experts to come across to Northern Ireland and give a presentation about WI-Fi to MLA's and other interested parties. I will also be contacting the Department of Education to investigate and to provide relevant information to provide an assessment.
"Cabling is an alternative and I think the department should explain why it is not a better alternative to Wi-Fi."
He explained: "Earlier this year the Department of Education released funds for additional laptops so that the Year 5 children could complete computer based assessments. Part of the deal was the installation of Wi-Fi Technology.
"We experienced difficulties with the new system, connections failed and a lot of teacher time was wasted with initial teething troubles. The teachers persevered and we succeeded in completing the assessments on time.
"It was interesting, when Mrs. Parker, a member of our PTA, approached me with information regarding the possible adverse effects of the radiation produced by Wi-Fi equipment. I was left to ponder if the advantages of Wi-Fi outweighed the risks to the children and staff. I looked at the evidence from both sides and decided not to use Wi-Fi in our school at present."
Local community worker Susan Kyle said that she too is worried.
"As a parent of a child who is beginning school next week I am very concerned about the information I have received from scientific reports and the practices used in other countries on the use of WiFi in schools and its potential affect to children's health.
"With a group of other concerned parents we are seeking further information to ensure our children get the best education in the safest environment possible. There is an alternative - cabling can be used instead of WiFi."
Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said he has a met a number of parents from Lisburn area who are concerned and confused by the conflicting information given on the safety of Wi-Fi technology in schools.
He commented: "I have helped arranged for international experts to come across to Northern Ireland and give a presentation about WI-Fi to MLA's and other interested parties. I will also be contacting the Department of Education to investigate and to provide relevant information to provide an assessment.
"Cabling is an alternative and I think the department should explain why it is not a better alternative to Wi-Fi."
