Updated guidance emphasizes the necessity of recess for children’s health
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released new guidance highlighting the importance of recess for children’s health and academic performance, stressing that it should be a protected time, reports BritPanorama.
This marks the first significant update to their recommendations in over 13 years, in response to a concerning trend of reduced recess time in schools and the deterioration of children’s health. The group noted that as recess opportunities have diminished, so too have the benefits it provides, which are critical not just for younger children but for older students as well.
Dr. Robert Murray, a lead author of the policy statement, remarked that although the AAP has always supported free play, the emphasis on academic performance has increasingly threatened this essential time. “It has a very powerful benefit if it’s used to the fullest,” he stated.
The updated guidance identifies the latest research indicating that breaks are necessary for cognitive retention, allowing children to store information more effectively. Moreover, free play during recess aids in fostering social skills and self-confidence, making it crucial as children grow.
Additionally, the AAP report connects regular physical activity during recess with the prevention of obesity—a concern underscored by recent statistics showing that about 1 in 5 children and teens in the U.S. now face this issue.
Given these insights, the AAP advocates for the safeguarding of recess from academic penalties, which are sometimes enacted in schools. “If the child is disruptive or rude and disrespectful, recess is one of the things that teachers use to punish kids,” Murray noted, emphasising that students who struggle with behavior often require recess the most.
However, the concern extends beyond individual cases. Recess has been diminishing across the board; data indicates that up to 40% of U.S. school districts have either reduced or removed recess since the mid-2000s, according to findings from Springboard to Active Schools, in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The duration of recess varies considerably, with some U.S. schools offering as little as 10 minutes and others extending beyond an hour. AAP guidelines suggest that children should receive a minimum of 20 minutes daily, with numerous breaks throughout the school day. In comparison, countries such as Denmark, Japan, and the United Kingdom typically allow students to enjoy breaks after every 45 to 50 minutes of instruction.
Dr. Murray reiterated the necessity of longer recess periods, stating that students should have sufficient time to decompress and prepare for learning, especially after intensive classroom work.
Dr. Lauren Fiechtner, an expert on childhood obesity at Mass General Brigham for Children, expressed her support for the updated recommendations, noting the value of recess witnessed both professionally and as a mother. She shared a personal anecdote about her son learning basketball during recess, which sparked a lasting interest in the sport.
Fiechtner, who did not participate in formulating the guidance, agrees that middle and high school students should also be included in these recess initiatives. “As kids get older, they’re more on their screens. So it’s really helpful, I think, for outdoor activity and recess to be happening,” she concluded, encapsulating the broad agreement on the significance of play in education.
