(The following script is part of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) radio series 'A Minute for Kids’ which is produced by WBBM-AM radio in Chicago.) For more scripts on children's health, visit www.aap.org

Turnoff Week and Back to School

Kids are back in school now and everyone should be settling into a routine.  But there’s one thing that shouldn’t become routine in your household… studying with the TV on.  Even if the TV is in another room… or is on as “background noise”… it will draw your student’s attention away from the task at hand.  Turnoff Week is taking place this week and it’s a good time to remind everyone that study time is quiet time.  Turn off the TV and radio and eliminate other distractions.  Be sure to designate specific times each day when studying or homework should be done.  If one child needs to study… and another other has no homework… ask that child to read quietly, draw or play outside.  Establishing good study habits now will help your child appreciate the importance of education and the benefits of keeping his mind focused on his schoolwork.  For more tips from Turnoff Week, visit screentime.org. 

Rev 9/09