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

Abstract

BackgroundWith the recent advent of technology, it is important to confirm the health and safety of the youth. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the relationship between Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and mobile phone usage patterns and behavioral problems. MethodsThis study involved 2465 children aged 8–17 years from the Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children’s Health from October 2020 to January 2021, with a follow-up from September 2021 to March 2022. The mother–child dyad provided information on the presence of residential Wi-Fi and cordless phones, cordless phone call duration, and mobile phone usage pattern (duration of calls using mobile network and internet, online audio streaming, online video streaming, and playing online games) via a baseline questionnaire. Based on the scores on Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire at baseline and follow-up, the children were categorized into four groups: normal, persistent, improved, and concurrent. ResultsNo significant association was found between Wi-Fi, mobile phone calls via mobile networks, and behavioral problems. Cordless phone at home had higher odds for improvement in total difficulty scores, and cordless phone for calling more than 4 min per week had lower odds of persistent problematic prosocial behavior. Longer duration of mobile phone calling via the internet (>40 min/week) had higher odds of concurrent total difficulties. Mobile phone calling via mobile network for <5 min per week had higher odds for improved total difficulty scores. Audio streaming via mobile phones for 60–120 min had lower odds of persistent total difficulties. ConclusionOur results showed sporadic findings between residential RF-EMF indoor sources and mobile phone usage pattern. These observed findings could be affected by residual confounding and chance findings. Ongoing follow-up studies are necessary to further explore this association through detailed exposure assessment and addressing the potential limitations of our study.