In addition to our TPS Character Week, I just became aware that this is "TV Turnoff" or "Digital Detox" Week, a twice-yearly event that encourages people in the US and other industrialized nations to spend less time with their digital devices (TVS, iPods, video games, cell phones, etc.). I copied the following from www.tvturnoff.org. (My favorite part is the child's quote at the end!) It appears that the week was launched in 1994 by Adbusters magazine, the Center for Screen-Time Awareness, and other organizations. Just thought I'd let you know in case you and your family want to "celebrate" or recognize this occasion!
Why Turn Off?
Screen Time cuts into family time and is a leading cause of obesity in both adults and children. Excessive use of screens for recreational purposes leads to a more sedentary and solitary lifestyle and that is unhealthy for all of us, both mentally and physically.
In the US and other industrialized nations around the world, screen time use continues to increase every year. The average daily usage for all screens, in some countries, has reached 9 hours per day. This is for recreational use of screens and does not include work time.
On average, people watch 4 hours of television and then spend another 4 plus hours with computers, games, video, iPods and cell phones. According to Nielsen, the average World of Warcraft gamer plays for 892 minutes per week! The company that owns Second Life (a virtual world) claims that its users spent over 1 million hours on line. These statistics hold true for children directed sites as well, including Webkinz and others.
"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
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