Pediatrician Group Says Children Need Regular Recess

‘Pediatricians should emphasize the following: A quality recess will reestablish mental equilibrium and focus,’ the group said.

Students jump rope during recess at the Herndon-Barstow Elementary School in Fresno, Calif., on Dec. 10, 2004. Paula Bronstein/Getty Images

Recess is important for children of all ages, a major pediatrician organization said on May 11.

“Pediatricians should emphasize the following: A quality recess will reestablish mental equilibrium and focus, a need of every student, kindergarten through 12th grade, every day,” the American Academy of Pediatrics said in an updated policy statement. “As such, recess should be a protected block in the daily schedule and be considered a student’s personal time.”