Turnoff Weeks

For two different weeks each year, millions of TV and computer screens around the world are blank. They are off during Turnoff Week. More people participate every year since it began in 1994. Millions of people all over the world participate in Turnoff Week. The first Turnoff week of the year is in April and the second is in September.

Each year, U.S. kids spend less time in school than they do having “screen time,” that is, watching TV and/or using the computer. In fact, the only thing they spend more time doing than viewing TV is sleeping! Studies show that kids who watch too much TV are more likely to have reading problems. The creators of Turnoff Week want us to reduce our screen time, giving us more time to “think, read, create, and do the things we never have time for.”

Many kids are surprised at how much there is to do besides watch TV or play on the computer. They do puzzles, read books, and play games. They skate and ride bikes with friends. They play outdoors. Can you live without your favorite TV shows? Find out by joining this year’s Turnoff Week.