Link between Wi-Fi, cordless devices, mobile phone usage patterns, and behavioral problems among Japanese children: A prospective cohort study

Authors: Ajmal A, Yamazaki K, Tamura N, Ait Bamai Y, Yoshikawa T, Hikage T, Ikeda A, Kishi R

Year: 2024 Aug 1

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Environmental Research

Institution: Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119715

Abstract

Overview

The rapid advancement of technology has raised concerns about the health and safety of young individuals. This prospective study investigates the relationship between the use of Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and mobile phone usage patterns with behavioral problems in Japanese children.

Methods

A total of 2,465 children aged 8-17 years from the Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health were enrolled, spanning from October 2020 to January 2021, with follow-up from September 2021 to March 2022. Data was collected from mother-child pairs regarding household Wi-Fi and cordless phone presence, call durations, and mobile phone usage (including calls via mobile network/internet, online audio/video streaming, and online gaming) through a baseline questionnaire.

Behavioral assessments utilized the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire at both baseline and follow-up. Participants were categorized into four groups: normal, persistent, improved, and concurrent based on their scores.

Findings

  • Mobile phone call duration via the internet above the 75th percentile was linked to increased concurrent behavioral difficulties.
  • Cordless phone use at home was associated with improvements in total difficulty scores.
  • More than 4 minutes per week of cordless phone calls correlated with a lower likelihood of persistent problematic prosocial behavior.
  • Short mobile phone call duration (<5 minutes/week) via mobile network was tied to improved difficulty scores.
  • Online audio streaming for 60–120 minutes per week was related to a reduced chance of persistent behavioral difficulties.
  • No significant association was found with overall Wi-Fi exposure or calls via mobile networks.

Conclusion

This study identified sporadic associations between residential RF-EMF sources and children's behavioral outcomes. The connections observed may be influenced by residual confounding or chance findings. Continued research with meticulous exposure assessment is essential to further clarify the potential health risks related to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in children.

RF-EMF behavioral problems children mobile phone use Wi-Fi cordless phones cohort study
← Back to Stats