Monday, May 4 marks the start of International Screen Free Week, a time to turn off and put away electronic devices.

This event, celebrated in schools across the world, is an initiative of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood Organization. According to the SFW website, the purpose of the program is to “swap digital entertainment for the joys of life beyond the screen.”

In a world where technology dominates every aspect of our lives, from the classroom to our homes, Screen Free Week provides an organized opportunity for families and individuals to spend time with something other than their phones and laptops.

The Screen Free Week website provides a list of alternative activities to participate in during the week, activities that encourage spending more time with your family and friends.

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is an organization devoted to keeping harmful advertising away from children.

The CCFC has already had several successes in eliminating harmful advertising. One such victory resulted in McDonalds removing a Happy Meal advertisement from a children’s YouTube video.

With a large following in elementary and middle schools nationwide, many teachers are having their classes participate.

The SFW website provides a kit for teachers with information about the harmful effects of too much screen time. This kit can be used to teach the students throughout the week.

With thousands of schools, families, and individuals worldwide participating, will Bethel Park accept the challenge and go Screen Free?