Turn Off The Screens

1. Turn Off The Screens • Seven years ago our middle school students were asked to shut off all screens for ten days. • This included T.V, computer games, video games, VCR & DVD movies (cell phones and iPods didn’t have the technology that they do today.)

2. Student Reaction to the Program • Ten Days Off Screens • At first many middle school students were against the program • Many of the students said things like: • This is stupid • Boring • No one will do it • Violent video games are just a game • I don’t get it

3. What Will Motivate Them? The Stanford University Prevention Research Center Student Media Awareness to Reduce Television (S.M.A.R.T.) curriculum worked really well with elementary students. Some of the lessons are good for middle school students but they needed to draw their own conclusions and make some decisions on their own.

4. Research Project • We presented the 8th grade students with a challenge: if you don’t think this is a problem then do the research. • Students read and researched at least four resources about media violence. Their assignment was to come up with: • Four problems • Four solutions • Use Data • Create a PowerPoint • Create a Campaign product

5. Students Took Ownership • As they read and identified problems their attitude changed and they came up with their own solutions. • They said things like: • Did you know there is more ADD and ADHD then ever before? • Did you know that parents aren’t aware of what “stuff” is out there in “cyberspace”? • Did you know that parents aren’t aware of what some of the violent games are about? • Did you know there are more obese kids than ever before?

6. Examples From Students • Power Points • T - Shirts • Brochures • Videos • Board Games • Magazine articles • Letters to Congress, President, Governor

7. Students Did An Awesome Job • They took responsibility. • They became involved and wanted to help. • They became aware of the problems. • They came up with solutions such as educating parents, educating the community and writing to letters to Congress.

8. Change In Answers To Interview Questions • What do you think of it now? • It makes more sense. • I am more active. • I didn’t know what the effects of media violence would be. • We can make a change.

9. Change In Answers To Interview Questions • What changed your mind? • School shootings • Changes in ADD and ADHD • Siblings have calmed down when the TV was turned off. • Research made us aware of the problems

10. Change In Answers To Interview Questions • What are the biggest problems? • Statistics are scary • Brain research • People imitating behaviors they see • Data we found • Obesity • Sex predators on the Internet

11. High School Students Getting Involved • Government classes writing public policies about media violence. • Health classes and obesity • Art classes made posters. • High school organizations such as the National Honor Society, Key Club, Drama Club, and others became involved with advertising or working with kids. • English classes made books for younger children.

12. Samples of High School and Elementary Students

16. WOW!!!!!!!! • We have learned this challenge works with all kids and can be done with many different challenges • Students need to become involved!! • Students need to take responsibility!!! • Students know that they can help!! • Students know that they can make a change!!! • Kids teach kids!!!! • This program works!!!!!!!!!! • Any questions, concerns, email • Deb Lehto dlehto@dsisd.k12.mi.us • Beth Larson blarson@rapidriver.k12.mi.us • Kris Paulsen kpaulsen@dsisd.k12.mi.us