Every year in April, people are encouraged to turn off their televisions for one week and discover that life without TV may just be more rewarding, fun, and relaxing. However, you can try this more frequently during the year and see for yourself how much more productive and empowering your life can be with less television time.

Why Turn Off TV?

Television cuts into family time and harms children’s ability to read and succeed in school.  It also contributes to inactivity, poor eating habits, and obesity.  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).  Research shows that the more children watch television, the more they are likely to snack between meals, consume junk food advertised on TV, and try to influence what foods their parents buy.

Turning off the television gives you a chance to think, read, create, and do.  You will have more time to connect with your family, friends, and community.

Here are a few ideas for TV-alternative activities:

• Cook a meal with your family or friends
• Play a game (Shape Up Challenge “Game Night” is Tuesday 4/20)
• Read a book
• Take a walk or go for a bike ride
• Write a letter
• Visit the zoo
• Go to a museum
• Attend a local play or sporting event
• Do volunteer work in your community
• Listen to music
• Start a garden
• Do yard work or house repairs

For more ideas, see the TV-Turnoff Network’s online “Guide to Year Round Screen-Free Activities” available free at www.tvturnoff.org.