ELKINS — Beginning today, school counselors in Randolph County will kick off “Screen Time Awareness Week” for families and students across the county.

The event is being held to help encourage students and families to be aware of their screen time – regarding time spent looking at phone, computer and TV screens – and to provide information about some of the effects technology can have on children.

School counselors throughout Randolph County have partnered with local community agencies to provide a week of fun and free activities that will allow kids to try new things and meet new friends.

Several activities are scheduled to take place from 3-5 p.m. at the Kump Center today, including an Indoor Scavenger Hunt, Outdoor Arboretum Walk, and a History Adventure. The Elkins Library will have Stem Activities from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. this afternoon, while Davis & Elkins College’ Flynn Planetarium will host a Cosmic Show at 5 p.m.

On Tuesday, the Elkins Randolph County YMCA will have Family Swimming from 4-5 p.m. and Ceramics With Class will host an introduction class on Ceramic Painting. Sports are limited for both activities and those wishing to take part are asked to call and RSVP.

The Kump Center will host its same activities on Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. and the Randolph County Arts Center is inviting families for a Student Art Show at 4:30 p.m. and a Make and Take art session at 5 p.m. The Phil Gainer Community Center will have open gym and games later Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m.

Midland Elementary School will host an Augusta Square Dance with a live band and caller on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. The Elkins Randolph County YMCA will hold another family swim session the same evening at 4 p.m.

The Kump Center will once again have activities on Friday from 3-5 p.m. and the Southern Kitchen will host a Little Bakers Class from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those wishing to take part in the Bakers class are asked to RSV.

The Randolph County Humane Society will have crafts and allow students to interact with pets each weekday with the exception of Tuesday. Those sessions will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Studies have shown that heavy screen use changes the way children’ s brains develop, and that most elementary students are on screen for close to 4-5 hours a day. As a result, school counselors see some of the detrimental effects in their offices.

Counselors hope that by putting down their devices, students will reconnect with their families and take part in the host of activities that will be happening throughout Screen Time Awareness Week. Families are responsible for transportation and supervision at each event.