People of all ages watch television daily. The media has become so much a part of modern living, that in many homes it may be on at all hours of the day and night. Turn Off Your TV Week, also known as TV Turn Off Week, is an attempt to make the public aware of the importance of moderating television viewing.
How Much Television Should Children View?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, two hours daily should be the upper limit for children’s television viewing. The Department of Education concurs. In a report on the television viewing habits of 4th graders, 36% watched 1-2 hours a day, while 18% watched 6 or more hours.
Some parents may feel that the television should be left off during the week so children can complete homework and extracurricular activities. Participating in TV Turn Off Week can help set the habit for less television viewing.
Turn Off the T.V. Week
Each year, dates are set for this national event. The dates for 2010 are April 19-25 and September 19-25. The dates for 2011 are April 18-24 and September 18-24. More dates can be found at the TV Turn Off website. This event is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Education Association, and the American Medical Association.
TV Turn Off reports what activities are happening by state. As events and activities are planned in schools, libraries, and communities, they are listed on the website. People are encouraged to get involved and spread the word.
Ideas for Reducing Television Viewing
Ideas for cutting the amount of television watched are as varied as there are families. Here are a few basic ideas.
- Keep a T.V. viewing log to track how many hours are actually spent in front of the television.
- Have a regular family game night each week with no television.
- Turn off the T.V. during meals and have a conversation.
- Don’t turn on the T.V. until all homework and chores have been finished.
- Get outside and go for a walk or bike ride instead of watching a television show.
- At the end of a television show, turn off the T.V. and do something else.
- Don’t substitute the computer for the television viewing, rather choose an activity that involves other members of the family.
Bringing Families Together
By turning off the television, families are making a statement. They are saying that communication with one another is important. They are saying that time spent together in other activities is important. They are making a decision to not let television media run their lives, but rather to use television as a tool.
TV Turn Off Week can be a first step in awareness of how television viewing can affect children and adults. Participating in the activities can bring positive changes to a family.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
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