APRIL 19-27

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TV TURNOFF WEEK is a national movement supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).  It encourages families to take a pledge to turn off TV and video game and other screen use for the last week in April.

This gives them more time to do a variety of other activities together including reading and being more active.  Elementary schools all over America have helped families participate in NATIONAL TV TURNOFF WEEK for over 10 years.   

Pediatricians support TV TURNOFF WEEK because of what they know about kids' TV and video game use:
 
·       American kids spend an average of 1023 hours a year watching TV/playing video games.  They spend about 900 hours in school.

·       Kids who watch 4-6 hours of TV a day are at risk of becoming OBESE because of being less active.

·       American companies have spent MILLIONS of dollars marketing junk food, soda, candy, and sugary cereals to kids.  These exciting ads have influenced MILLIONS of young children to ask for these unhealthy products.   

·       Kids who watch less than 12 hours of TV a week have HIGHER reading scores.  They also spend more time playing outside or doing sports.

·       Many of the heroes in kids’ cartoons and video games use VIOLENCE or acting mean to solve their problems.  A lot of children copy these heroes by being aggressive or bullying when they get mad or when things don’t go their way. 

·       Kids often see shows that expose them to information and images that are more for teens and adults.  These images can often be both confusing and frightening.

By turning off the TV and stopping video game use for 1 week, your kids will have more time for playing outside, reading, drawing, and spending time together as a family.