World Wide Day of Play at Nickelodeon

Child’s play Uploaded on February 15, 2007 by paparutzi

Kudos and congrats to the Nickelodeon channel for encouraging parents and kids to stop watching TV and to go outside and play. Nickelodeon is a much beloved channel of children’s cartoons and TV programs. Many of my nieces, nephews, and friend’s children are addicted to it.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the channel “went black” today for 3 hours in an attempt to get children to get outside and get moving. If you turn on the channel between 12pm and 3pm, all you will see a black screen with the “World Wide Day of Play” logo. A voice tells you that yes the TV is working, and to get outside and play. A written message follows and the two repeat off and on, ending with “this message will repeat, so unless you want to be bored, get up and play.”

Just seeing that blank screen with nothing on it inspired me to get up and go outside. Sure there are other channels with shows on, but the idea of a Play Day sounded like fun! Here is a link to the site which encourages a healthy lifestyle with good eating habits and plenty of exercise. After the 3-hour “blackout” there will be a 3-hour SpongeBob marathon, followed by their “Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge” finale.

What a wonderful example! Nick has proven that they have listened to the experts, and they are using their reputation as a channel for children to educate and support a healthy lifestyle with great shows and by taking action. Way to go Nick!