National Screen-Free Week Starts May 2
April 29, 2016 | A coast-to-coast call to action hoping to inspire families to play while “unplugged” from digital entertainment has been issued from May 2-8 in observance of National Screen-Free Week. Organized by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), the annual event encourages people of all ages to enjoy life experiences without using personal screens, including television, mobile or gaming device and film.
Several organizations, including ASTRA, the American Public Health Association, and KaBOOM! have endorsed the week by hosting events in an effort to keep families engaged and active in homes, schools, religious communities, and businesses.
The week’s concept started in 1994, but was known as “TV-Turnoff Week.” When CCFC began overseeing the program in 2011, it was renamed Screen-Free Week to widen the focus beyond just television. According to a study published last year by Common Sense Media, 8- to 12-year-olds in the U.S. average about 4.5 hours of entertainment screen media use on a given day, and up to two more hours for teenagers.
"Anything that can get us out of our daily routines and help us reflect on why and how we do things is a great idea -- for both parents and kids," noted J. Alison Bryant, CEO & Chief Play Officer of PlayScience, PlayLab & Sandbox. "We know that the number one thing that kids would choose to do if they had an extra hour in the day is spend it with their family, so use this opportunity to spend time together."
Local Screen-Free Week events have been scheduled, like the one in Missoula County, Montana. Let’s Move! Missoula partnered with local organizations to provide free and low-cost events for communities throughout the week, including its free kickoff event at McCormick Park on Sunday, May 1st, with more than 20 fun outdoors activities for kids.
Visit here for the full press release about the week and its events.
Some fun, screen-free toys that foster group and open-ended play include:
Candylicious Bubbles Bubble Machine (Little Kids Inc.) – The only edible bubbles on the market can be released from mouth of the Bubble Ninja character. Kids will enjoy the thrill of the chase as well as the flavors of cherry, grape, bubble gum and tutti frutti.
Precision RBS Hyperion (Super Impulse) – The largest of three rubber band-launching models in the RBS line, Hyperion has a 50-foot reach and accommodates three different band sizes, for a capacity of 26 at a time. Families can have a safe, fun time with target practice and distances contests.
Sprint and Pro Flying Ring (Aerobie) – Perfect for any open space, the flying ring can achieve a distance of more than 100 yards. The rubber edge makes catching soft and easy and the Sprint is ideal for smaller playing areas or younger throwers.