TV turn off week begins today, promoted by the Bermuda Reading Association.

It is encouraging families to take a break from the box and get busy with more rewarding activity.

Spokeswoman Ameenah Ahad said excessive TV viewing undermines students ability to succeed in school which then limits them later in life.

She said: "A recent study reported that children who watched TV shows behaved aggressively as adults."

The Bermuda Reading Association says children who break free of TV have higher grades, read more and take more exercise. They are advising people to put away their TVs or cover them to resist temptation.

American studies link viewing with spending, claiming that the average US citizen spent an additional $208 annually for every hour he watched TV per week.

Both The Bookmart and the Bookcase are offering ten percent discounts for people participating in the campaign which has Government backing.