Mobile phones and computers with wireless internet connections pose a risk to human health and should be immediately banned in schools, a powerful European body has ruled.

A Council of Europe committee examined evidence that the technologies have "potentially harmful" effects on humans, and concluded that immediate action was required to protect children, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.

In its report, the committee said it was crucial to avoid repeating the mistakes made when public health officials were slow to recognise the dangers of asbestos, smoking, and lead in petrol.

The report also highlighted the potential health risks of cordless telephones and baby monitors, which rely on similar technology and are widely used in British homes. Fears have been raised that electromagnetic radiation emitted by the wireless devices can cause cancers and harm developing brains.

The committee, composed of 84 MPs and politicians from member states in Europe, reviewed the latest research on the effects of electromagnetic fields and took fresh evidence from experts before reaching its conclusions. .