National Screen Turn-Off week starts tomorrow, April 14, 2008.This is a worldwide event sponsored by the Center for Screen-Time Awareness (http://www.screentime.org/) and celebrated by schools and families each year. Although the national Turnoff Week is officially scheduled for the following week, the elementary schools in the Shoreham -Wading River school district are celebrating the week of April 14, just before our Spring Break. How do I know this? Because I am chairing the event for the Wading River PTA.
During Turnoff Week, millions of children and adults will be turning off the screens in their homes. Instead of watching or playing games on the screen, they will read, exercise, and spend time with family and friends.
Children who reduce their screen time are more likely to read well and be physically fit. Recent research has also shown an increase in focus and attention when children aren’t watching TV. Turning off the screen also allows for more family time. In the course of a year, American children spend more time in front of the television than in school!
Children who reduce their screen time are more likely to read well and be physically fit. Recent research has also shown an increase in focus and attention when children aren’t watching TV. Turning off the screen also allows for more family time. In the course of a year, American children spend more time in front of the television than in school!
So, I challenge all parents reading this post to join us and turn off the screens. We've sent home copies of the the "No TV" icon to all families in our schools, as well as a contract for children and parents to sign. Can you commit too?
If you turn off the screens, you might find that your kids have more time, more energy and they might even listen better!
Let me know if you plan to try. Check out this blog http://www.unplugyourkids.com/tag/tv-turnoff-week/ for some inspiration. Or this website http://www.turnoffyourtv.com/ for something a little more radical.
Good luck!
1 comment:
Well we already blew it in the Anonymous house this morning! My son is glued to the TV as I type. He watches early in the morning and before he goes to sleep at night. All the time in between, he plays (and at this time of year, he plays outside!). Well, maybe this will be good for my daughter, she is not much of a TV person, she would rather, draw, read, or write.
Post a Comment