Pupils not at any risk says hi-tech school

nlnews@archant.co.uk
21 February 2007

TETHERDOWN Primary School has refuted claims that pupils could be exposed to dangerous radiation from wireless internet technology.

Parents and lobby groups warned last week that the technology should not be used around young children until it had been proved harmless, as it emerged some schools had been using it for years.

But Tetherdown hit back at the claims saying it had considered all health concerns and had written to parents explaining its use of the wireless network.

Beth Shand, chairwoman of governors, said: "Since their introduction at Tetherdown some five years ago, the wireless laptop computers have become an increasingly invaluable tool for teaching across the curriculum in a more effective and powerful way.

"The governors are in no doubt that the flexibility offered by wireless technology has educational benefits for the children and staff which would not be achieved through a more constrained, hardwired setup.

"We have considered the health concerns about wireless networks at considerable length and have been guided at all times by the advice of the local authority and by central government guidelines, including those contained in the Stewart Report. Ultimate responsibility for health and safety in community schools rests with the local authority.