TV-Turnoff Week 2007

TV-Turnoff Week has officially kicked off this year and will be observed from Monday, April 23, to Sunday, April 29.

For seven days the TV-Turnoff Network, a national nonprofit organization that encourages children and adults to watch less television, is asking students to break free of TV and encouraging families to spend more quality time together.

"We believe this is a great way for parents to eliminate the influences of our culture and take time to engage in meaningful conversation with their children," said Rick Schatz, president and CEO of the National Coalition. "Especially with summer around the corner, it is critical for parents to set a standard for entertainment options in their homes before kids have an excess amount of time on their hands."

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Public Education, the average American teenager is exposed to over 14,000 sexualized messages per year. And less than 2% of these have reference to abstinence, self-discipline or sexually transmitted diseases.

"Racy television only perpetuates the false idea that sex with anyone, anytime, anywhere is without physical and emotional consequence," added Schatz. "We're hoping that parents take the opportunity during TV-Turnoff Week to talk with their kids about such issues."

For more information on this event, please visit tvturnoff.org.