How much TV is too much?  Every family has a different idea.  Most agree, though, that healthy child development requires lots of other activities.  Like running, jumping, climbing, reading, drawing, dancing, playing, singing, and letting the imagination run absolutely wild. 

Every April, FIRST 5 celebrates “National TV-Turnoff Week” with a festival of activities designed to lure Mendocino County families away from their TVs. 

Research tells us that too much TV results in obesity; inadequate brain development; out-of-control behavior; short attention span; and, when children get older, low grades and a tendency to misuse alcohol and drugs. Our goal is to make sure that fewer local children suffer these consequences.

2008 Activities

The average American Child watches 4 hours of television per day— that is 28 hours per week! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two watch NO television at all! Take back those 28 hours by participating in Turn Off TV Turn On Life week April 21-27, 2008.

We are offering family friendly events all over the county! Join our storytelling events and listen to your favorite stories. Children who participate in events will have the opportunity to create their own stories with a Bare Book! Join the fun and we’ll see you there!

Ukiah & Willits:
Inland Events (PDF in English)
Inland Events (PDF in Spanish)

Coastal:
Coastal Events (PDF in English)
Coastal Events (PDF in Spanish)

TV TURNOFF PARTNERS:  FIRST 5 Mendocino,Mendocino Book Company, Four-Eyed Frog Books, Gallery Bookstore, Cheshire Books, Leaves of Grass, Mendocino County Public Libraries, Mendocino County School Districts, Nuestra Casa, Action Network, Safe Passage, Redwood Valley Rancheria, school districts, and many preschool and early care providers throughout the county.