ETFO wants student cellphones off in classrooms

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario voted to ban the use of cellphones in classrooms at their annual general meeting.

The new rules state that mobile devices should be turned off and stored during school hours, unless special permission is given.

The federation also voted to label Wi-Fi access points in school, and to continue to study the effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, the potentially harmful radiation emitted by cellphones. They are looking to have the use of cellphones recognized as a potential workplace hazard for teachers.

"There is cause for concern for members' health and safety, especially women," said Sandra Wash, a teacher representing the Peel district.

The study’s results will be released in February.

Health Canada has said that the majority of research to date does not support a link between exposure and poor health.