For the first time in 13 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new guidance on recess, declaring what many parents and physicians have long understood intuitively: Recess is not a luxury or a reward. It is essential to children’s health and development.The updated guidance, published in the journal Pediatrics, reflects growing evidence that children need breaks between concentrated learning periods not only for cognitive development, but also for physical health, stress regulation, and long-term well-being. In other words, children’s brains and bodies aren’t designed to sit still and absorb information for hours at a time without opportunities to move, play, and reset.In its updated guidance, the AAP also specifically warns against withholding recess for academic or disciplinary reasons and emphasizes that children need consistent opportunities for movement throughout the school day.
MICHAEL BLOOMBERG’S WAR ON VAPING PUTS CRIMINALS OVER CONSUMERS
That guidance arrives at a critical moment. American children are now among the most sedentary generations in history. Per recent data, almost 80% of adolescents fail to meet recommended physical activity levels, while childhood rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other chronic illnesses continue to rise. At the same time, many schools have reduced or eliminated recess in favor of more classroom time, test preparation, and screen-based instruction.
