Link Between ADHD in Children and EMF Radiation from Mobile Devices

Last Updated on October 4, 2023

EMF (electromagnetic field) radiation emitted by electronic devices such as laptops, cell phones, tablets are being linked to serious health conditions of all kinds today, from fertility issues to cancer.

Recently, we even learned of women who kept cell phones in their bra developing cancerous tumors on the breast.

But did you know that children are most susceptible to EMFs?

Indeed, young developing bodies are vulnerable to EMFs in all kinds of ways. Their tissues are still developing and hold more water, which makes their bodies more conductive to EMF radiation. And they’re the ones most likely to have a constant, 24-hour a day fascination with phones, video games, TV, and all things technology, especially with this new generation of “digital natives.”

We have to take young children with us everywhere we go. Anyone who’s stood in line, waited for food at a restaurant, wanted to concentrate on a conversation, or read a magazine at the doctor’s office has found handing their child a cell phone or tablet is a great way to quiet their accompanying child—right?

The problem is that today, we are now learning about a very strong connection between EMFs, ADHD, and other cognitive and behavioral disorders.

Startling new studies have found a strong correlation between ADHD and EMF radiation exposure. In fact, just since 2013, there have several studies published on the connections between ADHD and EMFs. This many studies in in this little time indicates a growing concern that warrants immediate attention.

Today, we’ll discuss the problem of EMFs and cognitive disorders in children, and what we can do to protect children from EMF radiation harm. EMFs and their link to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is finally getting the attention it deserves.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a common cognitive and behavioral disorder that affects about 10% of school-age children, with boys being 30% more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

As the American Psychiatric Association states:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. ADHD also affects many adults. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought).

Although these symptoms often describe any young child, when their hyperactivity is too excessive for their age, the symptoms begin to impact school work, affect sleep quality, and the behavior and/or lack of attentiveness begin to create problems at home and school. At this point, it is usually recommended one see a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist who can diagnose the disorder and recommend treatment, whether behavioral or via medication.

Symptoms of ADHD You Need to Know About

There are three types of ADHD that are diagnosed. The inattentive type (child has difficult maintaining focus), the hyperactive type, and a blend of both, which is called “combined type ADHD.”

Parents should keep a diary of their child’s behavior if they suspect ADHD—how long the child can focus, how long they can read or pay attention to schoolwork, how many hours the child is able to sleep, and how many hyperactive episodes are occurring a day, as well as writing down any behaviors of concern for several months.

The more detail you can provide the counselor, the more accurately they can diagnose the problem, if there is one.

Does Your Child Have ADHD or EMF Sensitivity?

The APA lists some helpful symptoms of a child with ADHD, such as the following:

Cannot listen, seems to be “elsewhere” when you’re speaking to them.
You cannot make them listen to instructions and they don’t heed them (don’t leave the yard, turn off the TV, wear your jacket, etcetera).
Has problems staying focused on conversations, bedtime stories, or when reading
Does not complete chores or schoolwork
Is disorganized and messy
Misses deadlines
Is easily distracted
Easily loses things
Is forgetful
Avoids any tasks that require concentration and effort (math homework, writing book reports, reading their chapters in history class, etcetera).

In general, kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They may understand what’s expected of them but have trouble following through because they can’t sit still, pay attention, or focus on details.

EMF Sensitivity is a disorder that is being diagnosed more widely today. It’s a condition in which individuals are finding that they feel mind fog, memory loss, lack of attention span, or fatigued—after prolonged or frequent use of electronic products such as laptops and cell phones.

Curiously, the symptoms of ADHD and EMF sensitivity are very similar, indicating that there may be a strong relationship between these two disorders and that they might share a common cause as well.

ADHD and EMF Exposure in the Womb and Childhood

In 2008, researchers conducted a study of 13,000 children with behavioral problems, asking their mothers about their extent of cell phone use both during and after pregnancy. The researchers concluded that there was a direct correlation, in fact, an 80% higher tendency for children to have behavioral, emotional, and hyperactive behaviors after excessive pre- and post-natal cell phone exposure.

By 2017, however, scientists are now making much more firm statements about the dangers of EMFs for young minds. There’s no hedging or hesitancy in their warnings now.

As Sage and Brugio note:

“Symptoms of retarded memory, learning, cognition, attention, and behavioral problems have been reported in numerous studies and are similarly manifested in autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, as a result of EMF and RFR exposures where both epigenetic drivers and genetic (DNA) damage are likely contributors. Technology benefits can be realized by adopting wired devices for education to avoid health risk and promote academic achievement.”

Children: The Most Vulnerable to EMFs and the Most Exposed

There are two problems at work with children and EMF radiation.

First, they are constantly exposed. Children playing video games and watching YouTube videos on their cell phones and tablets 24/7. Not to mention, the amount of time talking on the phone, especially for tweens and teens. Basically, they are exposed to a constant stream of EMFs that never ceases.

Furthermore, the brains of children are more susceptible to EMF radiation than those of adults for many reasons, such as:

Their skulls are thinner, making it easier for EMF waves to penetrate
Their minds are still developing and are easily impacted by EMF waves
They have smaller heads with brains positioned closer to the skull
Their brains contain more water, meaning EMF rays are conducted more easily through the brain

In fact, researchers have found that children’s brains absorb up to 10 times the amount EMFs of adults!

Watch Video: Why Are Children More Vulnerable to EMF Radiation?

So, What Can We Do?

Today, as word about the harmful effects of EMFs has spread into the media, individuals are slowly beginning to learn about the dangers of EMFs to our physical, mental, and emotional health.

We need to continue to educate ourselves and stay abreast of new research into the dangers of cell phones and other devices so that we can protect ourselves and/or use other forms of communication and entertainment as much as possible.

Until then, there are several ways we can help reduce EMF exposure for ourselves and our children.

1. Limit screen time for you and your children

Have a daily limit for how much cell phone, TV, or video game time they and you can have. It will be hard at first, but you must be vigilant about this.

2. Talk to your child about using devices safely

Have your children keep mobile devices away from their bodies where they’re not directly in contact with their flesh. Tell them to use the speakerphone or hold their cell phones away from their ear when listening. Also, have them sit further away from the television and all the game consoles, and tell them to keep laptops off their laps by setting them a hard surface instead.
There are some new, highly effective, approved EMF protective cell phone cases, laptop and tablet shields, and other EMF-blocking tools that can greatly reduce exposure to EMF emissions of all your devices.
You can also look into EMF free headphones for your child. Wireless Bluetooth headphones emit higher levels of EMF radiation and even wired headphones give off EMF that goes directly into the ear canal.

Research is still emerging, but it takes decades for long, extensive studies that conclusively prove the long term consequences of anything, from sweeteners to medications, and this includes EMF.

Until then, let’s enjoy our devices as safely as we can.

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