Because National TV-Turn-off Week fell the same week as TAAS and Earth Week, we did not do any special activities as we have done in previous years.  I do want to pass along the latest research that I have found to be most interesting.

Viewing violence on television has proven to have both immediate and lasting negative effects on memory.  The negative effects were found for people of all ages - adults and children, both men and women, and also for people who said they like to watch violent TV shows as well as those who don't like violence.  Some children and teens like to do homework with the TV on.  This research shows that violent programs may hamper their ability to learn and recall the information they are studying.

Previously I had written that "Television overdose or 'TV-OD' . . . is troubling not only because of the prevalence of violent programming, which has been proven to promote lasting patterns of aggressive behavior, but also because scientific research has confirmed that lack of exercise is threatening children with serious health consequences."

I hope that you and your child/children will develop some healthy alternatives to TV watching and practice them on a continuing basis.

                                                                                Geneva Williams
                                                                                Counselor