Wellness Coalition Seeks Proposals for Programs to Help Kids Reduce Screen Time

Did you know that according to the Manchester Wellness Coalition, 55% of the youth in Manchester get TOO MUCH Screen time outside of school? This is even more stark when you compare that number to the 18% of kids who get too much screen time county-wide. Too much screen time leads to poor social interaction skills, poor vocabulary, poor attention span, eye strain, obesity, and lack of muscle development. Because of this, the Coalition is looking for project ideas to reduce screen time and has money to fund the projects!

The Wellness Coalition has researched best practices to decrease screen time and these include utilizing after school programs, community centers, summer camps, and faith-based organizations incorporating physical activity and opportunities to learn, play, and create. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has developed a program called “WE CAN” which provide ideas to reduce screen time.

If you have an idea for reducing screen time for Manchester's children, create a proposal and submit it  to manchesterwellnesscoalition@gmail.com by February 19, 2017. It should be 1-2 pages in length and should include a description of the program, a list of people and organizations who would execute the program, and estimate of the cost of the program. Costs can include materials, prizes for incentives, compensation for individuals running the program, and marketing materials. There are funds available for a start date as soon as summer of 2017.

If you have an idea, but would like assistance preparing the proposal, email manchesterwellnesscoalition@gmail.com.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.