Turnoff Week, April 21-27, a campaign to raise public awareness about the negative impact of excessive screen time, is being celebrated by multiple national organizations including We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition), and the Center for Screen Time Awareness (CSTA).

“We know that the more time a child spend in front of the TV or computer, the more likely he or she is to be overweight,” says acting US Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, Md, MPH. “Kids are spending more time sitting in front of screens every day than they do anything else except perhaps sleeping.”

As it is widely known, childhood obesity is a growing epidemic, which means the repercussions of the condition are also multiplying. In addition to health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, obese children are at a higher risk of developed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

We Can! offers evidence-based guidance and tips to help parents make important lifestyle changes. They not only include ways for parents to reduce time spent in front of televisions and computers, but also to encourage physical activity and better nutrition choices.