As part of “Turnoff Week,” Kentwood Elementary has joined thousands of schools, libraries and community groups in a coordinated effort to encourage millions of people to turn off their televisions, computers and electronic games for seven days and “turn on” to the world around them, according to information released by the school.

Turnoff Week, which runs through Saturday, is a chance to read, be more physically active, converse, think, create and do, rather than view, officials said.

 Statistics show that children in the United States watch more than four hours of television each day. In the course of a year, they spend more time in front of the screen than in school (1,250 hours compared to 900 hours in school).

“The purpose of Turnoff Week is to take an extended break from screens, which consume so much of our free time. Four hours or more of screen-time a day is simply unhealthy for our children, families and communities,” Kentwood Principal Dana Rodriguez said.  

Kentwood students, along with their parents, signed a contract to help them take the week seriously. The school also provided a long list of alternate activities to do at home in place of watching television.  Each student that is faithful all week to the contract will receive a certificate at the end of the week.  

Turnoff Week is coordinated by Center for Screen-Time Awareness, an international nonprofit organization that encourages people to take control of the electronic media in their lives, reduce overall screen-time and promote healthier lives and more vibrant communities.

For more information, visit them on the Web at www.screentime.org.