Pediatricians Release Recess Guidance

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidance, the first in 13 years, emphasizing the critical role of recess for children of all ages in promoting good health, academic success, and overall development. Dr. Robert Murray, a lead author, highlighted that recess has been increasingly threatened by the drive for higher test scores. The guidance, published in the journal Pediatrics, cites new research on the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits of unstructured play, including its role in preventing obesity, a condition affecting 1 in 5 U.S. children and teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that recess be protected and never withheld for academic or punitive reasons. Data from Springboard to Active Schools, in collaboration with the United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicates that up to 40% of U.S. school districts have reduced or eliminated recess since the mid-2000s. Dr. Lauren Fiechtner, a childhood obesity expert, supports these recommendations, particularly for older students who spend more time on screens.