Owais Crawford
The use of full-body scanners in airports has raised concerns among parents about the safety and invasiveness of screening procedures for toddlers. While some sources indicate that children under 12 are exempt from full-body scans, others report that toddlers may undergo these scans or invasive pat-downs. This has sparked worries about potential health risks, particularly for children, and the potential for improper image storage and dissemination. Understanding the screening procedures enforced by the TSA for toddlers is essential for parents to make informed decisions about their children's safety and comfort when travelling by air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety of body scanners for toddlers | The radiation dose from backscatter x-ray body scanners is considered safe for children. The amount of radiation is about 1/1000th of the weekly radiation from natural background radiation. |
| Alternative screening methods | If parents have safety concerns, they can refuse the body scanner. Alternative screening methods include a hand search in a private room, a pat-down, or a handheld scanning wand. |
| Screening procedures for toddlers | Toddlers will be screened by security, but security personnel are instructed to behave in a mild manner. If a toddler cannot walk independently, a parent can carry them through the metal detector. If the alarm goes off, additional screening procedures will be required. |
| Shoes during screening | Children up to 12 years old are not required to remove their shoes during screening. |
| Screening for children in wheelchairs or scooters | If a child cannot be removed from their walking aid, officers will perform a pat-down procedure with the child still in their walking aid. |
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What You'll Learn
- Toddlers will be screened, but security personnel are trained to behave in a mild manner
- If a toddler cannot walk, a parent can carry them through the metal detector
- If the alarm goes off, the toddler will be patted down
- Radiation from backscatter x-ray scans is considered safe for children
- If a parent has safety concerns, they can refuse a full-body scan
Toddlers will be screened, but security personnel are trained to behave in a mild manner
When it comes to airport security, it is standard procedure for everyone to be screened, regardless of age. Toddlers will therefore be subjected to screening procedures, but parents or guardians do not need to worry about their children being treated harshly. Security personnel are trained to behave in a mild manner when dealing with young children.
If your toddler cannot walk independently, you can carry them through the metal detector. However, if the alarm goes off, both of you will be subjected to additional screening procedures. If your child is able to walk unaided, they should go through the metal detector separately from you. If you are carrying your baby in a sling, you may be required to undergo extra procedures, even if the alarm does not go off.
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) is used by the TSA to screen travellers safely for metallic and non-metallic hazards. If a child up to the age of 12 is scanned by AIT and the alarm goes off, the procedure will be repeated to avoid a pat-down. If your child is in a wheelchair or scooter and cannot be removed from their walking aid, officers will perform a pat-down with your child still in their chair or scooter.
Parents are advised to explain the process to their children in advance to make the screening process less stressful. Children up to the age of 12 are not required to remove their shoes during screening. You will not be forced to do anything that will separate you from your child. Security staff will advise you on how to deal with your child's anxieties, and you will be able to see and hear what is happening during the screening process.
The radiation dose from backscatter x-ray scanners is considered safe for children. The amount of radiation received during a scan is about one-thousandth of the natural background radiation received in a week. The exposure levels emitted by these machines are based on what is safe for children and pregnant women. However, some sources suggest that there may be some risk associated with these scans, as even very small doses of radiation can carry a risk of cancer.
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If a toddler cannot walk, a parent can carry them through the metal detector
If your toddler cannot walk, you can carry them through the metal detector. However, if the alarm goes off, you will both be subjected to additional screening procedures. If your child is able to walk, they should go through the metal detector separately from their parents. If your child is in a walking aid, such as a wheelchair or scooter, the officers will perform a pat-down procedure with your child still in the aid. If your child is in a stroller or car seat, you will need to remove them and carry them through the walk-through metal detector.
If you are concerned about your child's anxieties or physical discomfort, you can contact TSA Cares 72 hours before traveling to better understand the screening policies and procedures and what to expect at the checkpoint. You can also request assistance for the checkpoint. TSA officers are required to behave towards your children in as mild a manner as possible.
If your child is screened by Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and the alarm goes off, the procedure will be repeated to avoid the need for a pat-down procedure. Children under 12 can leave their shoes, light jackets, and headwear on during screening. For AIT screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt.
If you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, or baby/toddler food in excess of 3.4 ounces, inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process so that these items can be screened separately.
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If the alarm goes off, the toddler will be patted down
If a toddler cannot walk independently, they can be carried through the metal detector at airport security. If the alarm goes off, the adult carrying the toddler may be asked to walk through the detector again without the child. If the alarm goes off a second time, the adult will be subject to additional screening procedures. This could include a pat-down, a hand swab, or a full-body scan.
If the alarm is triggered by the child, security staff will try to avoid a pat-down. They may ask the child to walk through the metal detector again or try to work out what set off the alarm without touching the child. If a pat-down is required, a TSA officer of the same gender as the child will carry it out. They will wear clean gloves and explain the procedure. If they need to touch the child in a private area, they will use the back of their hand. Parents or guardians can request that the pat-down is conducted in a private room, in which case another TSA agent will be present, and the child can have someone with them.
TSA officers are trained to behave as mildly as possible when screening children. They will not separate a child from their parent or guardian without good reason. Children up to 12 years old are not required to remove their shoes during screening.
It's worth noting that airport body scanners are not triggered by metal alone. They are also used to detect weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items. Glycerin, for example, can cause a false alarm because it is used to make dynamite and bombs.
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Radiation from backscatter x-ray scans is considered safe for children
While concerns have been raised about the safety of backscatter X-ray scans, the radiation exposure from these scans is considered safe for children and adults alike. Backscatter X-ray machines were introduced in major airports in the United States following the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which mandated the use of "Automated Target Recognition" software to replace anatomical images with cartoon-like representations. This was done to address privacy concerns and make the screening process safer and less intrusive.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and health officials maintain that the radiation dosage from backscatter scanners is very low. According to the TSA, you would need to pass through the scanners about 5,000 times to receive the same dose of radiation as one chest X-ray. Additionally, the TSA claims that passengers are exposed to higher levels of radiation during flight due to cosmic rays in the Earth's atmosphere.
Despite these assurances, some scientists and professors have expressed concerns about the potential health risks associated with ionizing radiation, which is considered carcinogenic even in small doses. They argue that the effective dose may be higher than claimed, especially for sensitive areas like the skin and certain organs. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed the technology safe and created a webpage comparing radiation estimates from backscatter X-ray body scanners to other sources.
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), which does not rely on ionizing radiation, has largely replaced backscatter X-ray machines in airports. AIT scanners are preferred by experts for their safety and are far less intrusive, using benign millimeter wave scanning technology. While backscatter X-ray machines are more effective in detecting contraband, the potential risks and privacy concerns have led to their phase-out in airports.
When travelling with toddlers, it is important to note that they will be subjected to screening procedures, but security personnel are trained to behave in a mild and appropriate manner. If your toddler cannot walk independently, you can carry them through the metal detector. If the alarm goes off, additional screening procedures may be required, such as a pat-down or a full-body scan. However, you have the right to refuse a full-body scan and request a personal scan by a same-gendered TSA employee, which will add some extra time to the security process.
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If a parent has safety concerns, they can refuse a full-body scan
If a parent has safety concerns about their toddler going through an airport body scanner, they can refuse a full-body scan. However, it is important to note that all passengers, regardless of age, are subject to screening procedures at the airport. This means that even toddlers and young children will be screened by security personnel, who are instructed to behave in a mild and appropriate manner towards children.
In the case of a parent refusing a full-body scan for their child, alternative screening methods will be employed. These may include a handheld scanning wand, a pat-down procedure, or a thorough hand search in a private room. During a hand search, a child may be asked to loosen or remove some clothing, and the process will take longer than a scanner. Parents should be aware that their child's belongings, such as toys, will also go through screening procedures, such as X-ray machines.
It is recommended that parents prepare their toddlers for the airport security experience and explain the process to them beforehand. This can help reduce any anxiety or fear associated with the screening procedures. Additionally, parents can ask airport staff for advice on how to manage their child's physical discomfort or anxieties related to the screening process.
While full-body scanners are used in many airports around the world, their implementation varies by country and is subject to health and safety regulations. Some critics argue that full-body scanners violate privacy and human rights, and the health risks associated with certain types of scanners are still being studied. Ultimately, parents have the right to refuse a full-body scan for their toddler, and alternative screening methods will be used to ensure security without compromising the child's well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
No, toddlers are not exempt from body scanners. However, if your toddler cannot walk independently, you can carry them through the metal detector. If the alarm goes off, you will both be subjected to additional screening procedures.
If you do not want to go through an airport body scanner, you can request a thorough hand search in a private room. This may involve removing some clothing and will take longer than a body scanner.
Airport body scanners use very low doses of x-rays, similar to those used in medical imaging. The radiation exposure is considered safe for everyone, including children and pregnant women. However, some people may still have safety concerns about the potential risks of these scans.
If the alarm goes off, your toddler may be subjected to additional screening procedures, such as a pat-down or a wand scan. Security personnel are trained to behave in a mild and appropriate manner towards children.
You can explain the airport security process to your toddler in advance and practice by playing airport security games or showing them videos. You can also bring noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions and help them feel more comfortable.
