Yes, radiation is bad but no, a “shield” won’t help.

Reports from the World Health Organization have us terrified over the radiation traveling from our kids’ phones to their heads, which means of course, there’s a buck to be made. Some companies tell us they’ve developed shields that reduce exposure from electromagnetic emissions but there is no  (we repeat: there is NO) scientific proof they work, says the Federal Trade Commission.

In fact, products that block only the earpiece or another small portion of the phone could make matters even worse. That’s because the entire phone emits electromagnetic waves. What’s more, these shields may interfere with the phone’s signal, causing it to draw even more power to communicate with the base station, meaning it in turn, emits more radiation, says the FTC.

Good news, there’s ways to reduce your risk for free.

1. Use a hands-free device, which increases the distance between your phone and your head. You know, an earpiece or the speakerphone feature.
2. Um, use your phone less by (you probably don’t have to tell your kids this) texting.
3. Wait for a good signal. Phones works harder, emitting more radiation, when the signal is weak.
4. Tilt the phone away from your head when you’re talking and bring it to your ear when you’re listening, because phones also give off more radiation when transmitting than when receiving.