urn off the TV? Television cuts into family time, harms our children’s ability to read and succeed in school, and contributes to unhealthy lifestyles and obesity. Here are just a few of the facts: On average, children in the U.S. will spend more time in front of the television (1,023 hours) than in school this year (900 hours). Forty percent of Americans frequently or always watch television during dinner. As former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher said at the Kick Off of TV-Turnoff Week 2001, “We are raising the most overweight generation of youngsters in American history… This week is about saving lives.

Who Participates?
Anyone and everyone. Millions of people all over the world have participated in TV-Turnoff Week since it began in 1995. Children and adults, rich and poor – people from every background and all walks of life – take part through schools, churches, or community groups, as families or as individuals.

What’s So Great about TV-Turnoff Week?
Turning off the television gives us a chance:

• To think, read, create, and do

• To connect with our families and engage in our communities

• To turn off TV and turn on life

Benjamin Loxley, a second-grader, sums it up well, “I had a great time, and my only question is, if this is so great, why don’t we turn off the TV for the other 51 weeks of the year?”

TV-Turnoff Week Works!
According to hundreds of responses to TV-Turn-off Week follow-up surveys, 90 percent of respondingp articipants reduced their TV-viewing as a result of participating. Sound like fun? It is! Join thousands of parents, teachers, pediatricians and other families by celebrating TV-Turnoff Week this year.
“I really didn’t like TV-Turnoff Week except that I did notice that my grades went up and I was in a good mood all week.” – Second-grader Drew Henderson, Donora, PA

Does the idea have any value in child and youth care programs? Why should we bother? Could there be any benefits? Would it simply cause more problems ... or (to get you thinking) what problems might this be a solution to? Feel free to comment.

TV-Turnoff Network is a national nonprofit organization that encourages children and adults to watch much less television in order to promote healthier lives and communities. Don't forget - the 10th annual TV-Turnoff Week will take place April 19-25, 2004! Please join the celebration!
 

http://www.tvturnoff.org/