Program Goals
Switch is a proven, research-based program that helps motivate children to change three critical health behaviors that are known risk factors for childhood overweight and obesity: physical activity, screen time, and fruit and vegetable consumption.
The specific goals of the program are as follows:
• Switch UP to 60 minutes or more of physical activity a day.
• Switch DOWN to 2 hours or less of screen time (TV, internet, video games, computer) a day.
• Switch UP to 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Switch integrates health and wellness messages across families, schools, and communities and provides simple tools to help kids learn and practice healthy lifestyle habits.
Switch What You DO
- Physical Ed. Efforts
- Recess
- Walking Programs
Switch What You VIEW
- Media Center Programs
- Media Literacy
Switch What You CHEW
- Food Service
- Nutrition Programs
- Health Class
How It Works
Switch is designed for children in grades 3 and 4. Participating families receive an initial Switch Kit containing materials to help children reach the Switch program goals.
- Welcome Kit with Magazine #1, Pedometer, Activity Jar label/slips, and the Switch Screen O’ Meter.
- 3 additional monthly magazines with interactive games, recipes, activity cards, meal planners, and much more.
- Posters and banners to promote the program.
- Incentives to encourage program participation.
Program Elements
- Each month for four months, participating children and their families will receive Switch materials at home or at the sponsoring organization.
- The Switch magazines and materials include activities and lessons that encourage healthy physical activity, screen time, and nutrition habits.
- Children are encouraged to create DO, VIEW, and CHEW goals and participate in activities at home and at school.
- Each week children will track their activities and, using the Switch Trackers included in the magazines, earn Switch Points. Incentives such as water bottles and jump ropes can be used to encourage participation.
- Switch volunteers meet with the children to reinforce key messages and encourage children and families to stay involved.
- Switch information and updates can be included in newsletters, announcements, and bulletins.
- Switch Days and small events can be planned and implemented with the help of volunteers and community organizations.
Research Results
Switch is an evidence- based program developed by the National Institute on Media and the Family and supported by research conducted during the 2005 – 2006 school year with over 1,300 families in Lakeville, MN, and Cedar Rapids, IA.
