Why Statistics show that kids today use screen media (TV, computer and video games, DVD’s. etc.) over 44 hours per week, yet only engage in meaningful conversation with their parents for less than 1 hour (38 minutes) per week.  Research has also consistently shown that parent involvement is a critical factor for students’ success and keeping them drug, alcohol, and tobacco free.  In the words of Joseph A Califano, Chairman and President of Columbia University’s Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (and former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare): "Parents are the most potent and underused tool in preventing substance abuse." The goal of Tune In To Kids is to encourage families to live a real life, not a virtual life - it’s about balance.   The year long calendar of activities is designed to encourage positive parent-child interaction and provide tools to help create positive media environments.

You are invited to learn more about the Tune In To Kids project.  Now in its eighth year, this collaborative project of over forty organizations and businesses has become a year long calendar of activities, culminating with our tremendously successful Tune In To Kids Fair held each spring (attendance has grown to over 8000). The 2007-2008 activities encourage positive parent-child interaction through community and family activities as follows:   Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children™ - Monday, September 24, 2007 Family Fun Night/Screen Free Day to celebrate National Parent Involvement Day - Thursday, November 15, 2007 Community Conversation with Dr. David Walsh, President and Founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family    Wednesday, February 6, 2008 Tune In To Kids Fair Preview Lunch, Keynote Speaker, Dr. David Walsh, President and Founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family - Thursday, February 7, 2008 - cancelled Classroom Reading Contest - First Week of March 2008 Tune In To Kids Fair - A Celebration of Life and Learning Beyond the Screen - Saturday, April 12, 2008

The Fair (our biggest event) focuses on our six themes: parent involvement, reading and media literacy, hobbies and recreation, math and science, arts and culture, and health and fitness.