When TV is a turn off

Students returning from spring break watch closely: Turn Off the TV Week begins Monday and runs through April 30.

The innovation is a national movement that asks parents, students and teachers to take control of technology rather than let technology control them.

Displaced kids in search of something to do could check out the library for Board Game Night on Tuesday.

Children’s librarian Rebecca Porter is encouraging youngsters to come ready to play and be treated to free pizza from BJ’s Pizza Restaurant.

“The library is a great place to spend no-TV week,” Porter said as she hopes kids will stock up on books, magazines and music.

The PTA at El Morro and Top of the World Elementary Schools have been encouraging families to take part in the event by planning alternatives to television.

El Morro PTA President Melissa Cavanaugh feels that TV in moderation is acceptable, but violent programs may be disruptive for children.

“There’s lots of great educational TV out there,” Cavanaugh said. “Parents need to be careful about what their kids are watching.”

El Morro Principal Chris Duddy hopes that his students will choose to exercise more during the week.

“We hope kids don’t just replace TV with sitting in front of the computer,” Duddy said.

The PTA at Top of the World School has outlined a suggested schedule of alternative activities for families.

On Thursday night, kids will be treated to a show by Orange County Performing Arts, a pizza dinner and a book fair at the school.

Parent Chris Coscino looks forward to Turn Off the TV Week.

“It makes you realize how much time you waste and how much else there is to do. It’s good family time,” Coscino said.

Coscino feels that too many parents may use the TV as a baby sitter for their children. “Parents use it as a crutch,” Coscino claimed.

Mother of two, Jackie Cohn, says she will have no trouble adapting to no TV.

At the end of last summer, Cohn decided her children would have no television viewing from Monday through Thursday, and only an hour each day for the remaining days.

“I saw they weren’t finding stimulation outside of TV,” Cohn said. “They’re much better off playing games and riding bikes.”

Board Game Night at the Laguna Beach Public Library is from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 25. Reservations should be made to Porter at (949) 497-1733 or [email protected]. cpt.21-notv-CPhotoInfo3O1Q5BT720060421iy00vgncDON LEACH / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Ethan Cairns shows off a blue painted folding fan and a red painted bear, right, as he participates in no-TV activity at the library.