The Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society (LASS) and many community organizations are inviting families to participate in Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week from Jan. 21 to 28.
During this week, children and families are encouraged to take the Unplug and Play challenge and reduce or eliminate their screen time for one week.
Children ages eight to 18 use an average of 42 hours of media technology per week, says Darcy Calkins, LASS literacy outreach co-ordinator.
There are many negative health factors as well as negative impacts on social and emotional development that are being linked to the large number of hours children are spending in front of screens each day.
In order to support children and families in reducing their screen-time – TV, video games, computers, etc. – North Okanagan-Shuswap communities have put together a wide range of family events to help families unplug and play together.
Unplug and Play Passports have been printed for every elementary school student in the district. On each passport there is a daily checklist to record screen-free activities and a schedule of events.
All Unplug and Play events are free. Some of the planned activities include: skating and buddy reading with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, The Early Years Fair Pirate Party, a magic show, family skating, a family swim, family yoga classes, indoor soccer, bowling, curling and much more.
For more information, go to www.shuswapliteracy.ca.