New Study Links Wireless Radiation to Memory Loss in Children and Teens

How Mobile Devices and WiFi Impact the Developing Brain

Over the past decade, numerous studies have shown the negative impact that WiFi and mobile devices have on the brains of children and teenagers. Now, a new study from the Environment and Cancer Research Foundation in Sweden has found a definitive link between exposure to mobile phone technology and increasing cognitive impairment — including memory loss — in younger people. The medical diagnosis of these conditions in ages 5-19 years in Norway and Sweden has increased sixty-fold between 2010 and 2024. These findings are alarming. In this post, we explore the study, why radiofrequency (RF) radiation from mobile devices is particularly damaging for those under the age of 21, and protective steps that can be taken to help lower the impact.

The Study

A 2025 study published in Fortune Journals came to a startling conclusion: children between the ages of 5-19 years who were exposed to RF radiation experienced a significant uptick in memory problems.¹ With the rollout of 5G technology, the rate of diagnosis for cognitive impairment for this age group increased substantially in Norway and Sweden, where the data were collected.

Per 100,000 inhabitants in Norway, there were 179.51 diagnoses of memory problems in 2006. Jump to 2024, and the number increased to 1522.40. Likewise, Sweden had a significant uptick from 0.55 in 2001 to 55.531 children per 100,000 in 2024. The researchers are quick to point out that the increase cannot be explained by changed diagnostic criteria or reporting frequency.

The team notes that numerous reports, both from animal experimental studies and epidemiological studies on humans, indicate that exposure to microwave RF radiation negatively affects memory and cognitive functions. The hippocampus — a brain region responsible for short- and long-term memory, learning, and spatial navigation — has been extensively studied in animal research and repeatedly shown to be harmed by exposure to microwave radiofrequency (RF) radiation.^2,3 Moreover, the rapid increase in children’s exposure to microwave RF radiation from various wireless technologies, such as smartphones, base stations/antennas, Wi-Fi routers, smart meters, and others, has coincided with a significant rise in the number of children experiencing memory and cognitive decline.

It’s also important to consider that multiple studies have shown levels from RF radiation have substantially increased more than 100 times with the introduction of 5G compared to previous generations of 3G and 4G wireless technology.^4-12 Schools have also seen an uptick in the use of wireless technology in the classroom, which is a major concern.

The researchers concluded:

“This register based study shows increasing memory problems and/or cognitive impairment in children aged 5-19 years in Norway and Sweden. The increase is most dramatic during recent years. One etiological factor may be the increasing exposure to microwave RF radiation that in several human and animal laboratory studies has been associated with impairment of memory and cognitive functions. Certainly these trends are of major concern. The public and the public health institutions should pay attention to this emerging health issue and implement protective measures.”

Why is RF radiation especially harmful to children?

Children are more vulnerable to wireless and cell phone radiation because their bodies and brains are still developing. Their smaller heads and thinner skulls allow radiation to penetrate deeper into the brain, and research suggests children can absorb significantly more radiation into skull bone marrow than adults. Because the developing brain is highly sensitive, even low-level exposures in animal studies have been linked to damaged and dying brain cells, raising concerns about long-term neurological effects. Children also have a higher water content in their tissues, which allows wireless energy to travel more easily, increasing absorption. Add to that their smaller bodies — which keep devices closer to the head and organs — and their higher number of active stem cells, which are more reactive to radiation, and it becomes clear why children experience proportionally greater exposure and risk than adults.¹³

Action Steps: Minimize Exposure to Wireless Radiation

With the continued expansion of wireless technology and its integration into daily life, it’s nearly impossible to avoid exposure to RF radiation. However, we can take steps to help protect our children and family from the negative effects. Here are a few simple methods to minimize exposure:

• Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of wifi. If you opt for Wi-Fi, turn it off at night during sleeping hours.
• Switch to airplane mode when the device is not in use
• Use wired earbuds instead of Bluetooth
• Consider analogue schooling and restricting device use for children under the age of 21
• Turn off Bluetooth when not needed.
• Limit the time spent on devices.

I also recommend spending as much time in nature as possible and walking barefoot on grass, along the beach, or on plain ground. You can read more about why this connection to the earth can help to deflect the harmful effects of man-made EMFs here.

Additionally, if you or your child needs an extra level of support for cognitive health, calming anxiety, and promoting better sleep, have a look at our Lemon Balm Tincture in the apothecary.

Protecting Your Family Against EMFs

For ultimate protection, I use Blushield in our home to guard against EMFs. I also carry a small portable Blushield device when I am traveling or out running errands. I keep it in my purse so I never forget it.

It’s important to note everyone responds differently to EMFs, but for me and my family, Blushield has been a game-changer. I have personally found Blushield devices provide the highest level of protection and greatly improve clarity, energy, quality of sleep, and overall health of my family.

If you would like to give Blushield a try, use the code “doctornicole” for 10% off your purchase. In this age of increasing EMF exposure, it will help to provide peace of mind knowing Blushield offers reliable protection for you, your family, and your pets. Tap here to learn more!

FAQ: WiFi Radiation and Children’s Brain Health

Does WiFi radiation affect children?
Growing research suggests WiFi radiation and wireless device exposure may negatively affect children’s developing brains. Studies link radiofrequency (RF) radiation to changes in memory, learning, and cognitive function, especially in areas of the brain responsible for memory.

Why are children more vulnerable to WiFi radiation?
Children absorb more WiFi radiation than adults because their skulls are thinner, their heads are smaller, their tissues contain more water, and their brains are still developing. These factors allow radiation to penetrate deeper into the brain and nervous system.

What did the Swedish study find about WiFi radiation and children?
A 2025 Swedish-led study reported a dramatic rise in memory problems and cognitive impairment in children ages 5–19. Researchers concluded that increased exposure to microwave RF radiation from WiFi and mobile technology may be a contributing factor.

Does 5G increase children’s exposure to wireless radiation?
Yes. Research shows environmental RF radiation levels have risen significantly with the rollout of 5G, adding to existing exposure from WiFi routers, smartphones, tablets, and classroom technology.

What are signs WiFi radiation may be affecting children?
Reported concerns linked to wireless radiation exposure include memory issues, difficulty concentrating, headaches, sleep problems, and changes in behavior or attention.

How can parents reduce WiFi radiation exposure for children?
Use wired internet when possible, turn off WiFi at night, switch devices to airplane mode when not in use, choose wired headphones, limit screen time, and keep devices away from the head and body.

Is wired internet safer than WiFi for children?
Yes. Wired Ethernet connections and wired accessories significantly reduce RF radiation exposure compared to WiFi and Bluetooth devices.

Nicole Apelian

In this Post, from Nicole’s Apothecary

References

1. Mona Nilsson BSc, Swedish Radiation Protection Foundation, Adelsö, Sweden, Increasing Numbers of Children Aged 5-19 Years with Memory Problems in Sweden and Norway, Fortune Journals, 21 October 2025. https://fortuneonline.org/articles/increasing-numbers-of-children-aged-519-years-with-memory-problems-in-sweden-and-norway.html
2. Anand KS, Dhikav V. Hippocampus in health and disease: An overview. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 15(4) (2012): 239-46.
3. Eichenbaum H. The role of the hippocampus in navigation is memory. J Neurophysiol 117(4) (2017): 1785-96.
4. Hardell L, Nilsson M. Case report: The microwave syndrome after installation of 5G emphasizes the need for protection from radiofrequency radiation. Ann Case Report 8 (2023): 1112.
5. Nilsson M, Hardell L. Development of the microwave syndrome in two men shortly after installation of 5G on the roof above their office. Ann Clin Case Rep 8 (2023): 2378.
6. Hardell L, Nilsson M. Case report: A 52-year healthy woman developed severe microwave syndrome shortly after installation of a 5G base station close to her apartment. Ann Clin Med Case Rep 10(16) (2023): 1-10.
7. Nilsson M, Hardell L. 5G radiofrequency radiation caused the microwave syndrome in a family living close to the base stations. J Cancer Sci Clin Ther 7 (2023): 127-34.
8. Nilsson M, Hardell L. A 49-year-old man developed severe microwave syndrome after activation of 5G base station 20 meters from his apartment. J Community Med Public Health 7 (2023): 382.
9. Nilsson M, Hardell L. Case report: Both parents and their three children developed symptoms of the microwave syndrome while on holiday near a 5G tower. Ann Clin Med Case Rep 12(1) (2023): 1-7.
10. Hardell L, Nilsson M. A woman aged 82 years with electromagnetic hypersensitivity since almost four decades developed the microwave syndrome after installation of 5G base stations in her living vicinity. J Environ Sci Public Health 8 (2024): 1-8.
11. Hardell L, Nilsson M. An eight-year-old boy developed severe headache in a school close to a mast with 5G base stations. Ann Clin Case Stud 6(1) (2024): 1093.
12. Hardell L, Nilsson M. Summary of seven Swedish case reports on the microwave syndrome associated with 5G radiofrequency radiation. Rev Environ Health 40(1) (2025): 147-57.
13. Jin-Hwa Moon, MD, PhD , “Health effects of electromagnetic fields on children” Clin Exp Pediatr. 2020;63(11):422-428, May 26, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2019.01494