Fifty years ago, recess was a staple of the school day, offering children multiple opportunities to play outside, socialize, and take a much-needed break from academic tasks. But today, the picture looks very, very different. Recess time in American schools has been declining dramatically, and the implications of this on our children’s wellbeing are profound. So let’s start with an understanding of where we are today- how much recess time is actually happening?
Recess Decline: A Historical Perspective
In the 1970s, elementary school students in America enjoyed an average of 90 to 120 minutes of recess per day, split into several breaks. Fast forward to 2023, and the numbers are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average elementary student now gets between 20 and 30 minutes of recess daily. Moreover, some schools provide as little as 15 minutes, or none at all, especially in low-income districts.
This trend mirrors a broader societal shift. Over the last 50 years, the time children spend playing outdoors has decreased by 50%, as reported by the National Recreation and Park Association. Instead, children now spend an average of 4 to 7 minutes per day engaged in unstructured outdoor play and an average of 7.5 hours a day on screens.
The Research About Outdoor Recess Time
The benefits of recess and outdoor play for children are backed by a robust body of research. Here are some of the key findings:
- Physical Health: Recess is a critical opportunity for children to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity, which helps combat childhood obesity and promotes overall health.
- Cognitive Function: Studies show that children who have regular breaks for physical activity perform better academically. Recess allows for cognitive reset, improving attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.
- Social Skills: Recess provides an unstructured environment where children can develop social skills such as conflict resolution, cooperation, and empathy.
- Mental Health: Time spent outdoors is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Natural light and physical activity stimulate the release of endorphins, which boost mood and energy.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of School Health found that students who had at least 20 minutes of recess exhibited better classroom behavior and fewer instances of disruptive conduct.
Why Is Recess Declining?
The primary reason that recess time has declined so drastically is due to increased academic pressures.
The focus on students’ growth, achievement and test scores has led to a decline in recess time. Everything is so measurable in today’s world. And if it can’t be measured or proven on a test, we don’t see as much focus on it. The rise of standardized testing and accountability measures have led schools to prioritize instructional time over unstructured play. Beginning in 3rd grade, public school students take an average of 10 standardized tests per year.
Consequences of Minimal Recess
The decline in recess has significant repercussions:
- Increased Sedentary Behavior: Reduced recess time contributes to lower levels of physical activity, exacerbating the childhood obesity epidemic.
- Diminished Academic Performance: Paradoxically, the drive to improve academic outcomes by cutting recess may hinder cognitive function and learning.
- Worsened Social Skills: Without time for unstructured interaction, children miss opportunities to build critical interpersonal skills.
- Heightened Mental Health Issues: Lack of outdoor playtime is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and attention disorders.
How to prioritize outside time at school and at home
As parents, what can you do to ensure that your child is getting daily access to recess time? Start by having conversations with some members of the PTA. Share this resource, share the research and let your school officials know that recess needs to be a priority. This is where the power of information and community really shine so start by finding some like-minded parents in your community and taking your concerns to the local school or the district.
- At home- prioritize outdoor time and unstructured time if you can. Check out the podcast and parent community of 1000 Hours Outside. It’s a fun place to start.
- Check out the Let Grow program. They have tons of resources for how to advocate for unstructured time at your child’s school and activities for teachers.