top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

France bans Wifi in nurseries

Restrictions imposed to protect young children from “possibly carcinogenic” electromagnetic waves

WIFI has been banned in nurseries, schools, kindergartens and childcare centres across France that cater for children under the age of six.

In primary schools, which also welcome older pupils and where computers are used in lessons, Wifi points in classrooms must be disabled when not in use, national frequencies regulator, L’Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) has said.

Restrictions on Wifi access in schools are intended to reduce young children’s exposure to electromagnetic wave radiation, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer considers, “possibly carcinogenic”.

Establishments offering public Wi-Fi access will now have to display a symbol indicating the presence of electromagnetic waves.

Meanwhile, homeowners and tenants now have access to information about the level of exposure to electromagnetic waves in their homes, by printing and completing this PDF form .

Once counter-signed by an official at approved organisation - such as a local authority, environmental protection body or family association, it can be sent to the ANFR.

It is also possible to find out the location of all the mobile phone antennas are in your area, by logging on to the ANFR’s Cartoradio site.

Related stories:
Mobile use poses cancer risk: study

Triple phone masts to trim radiowaves

Radio waves: no direct health risk

Photo: Lucélia Ribeiro

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France