America’s children are spending more time in front of screens and less time running around outside.

Because of that growing trend, the nation’s top pediatricians are now sounding the alarm over something many parents once took for granted during the school day: recess.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released updated guidance urging schools across the country to protect recess time rather than cut it.

The organization described recess as a key part of a child’s physical health, emotional development, and academic success. This marks the academy’s first major update on the issue in more than ten years.

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Doctors involved in the report argue that recess is far more important than many school systems currently treat it. Instead of viewing it as wasted classroom time, pediatric experts say recess actually helps children perform better once they return to learning.

“It has a very powerful benefit if it’s used to the fullest,” said Dr. Robert Murray, a lead author of the new report published in the journal Pediatrics.

That message arrives at a time when schools continue facing pressure to improve test scores while also managing behavior issues and increased digital distractions.

At the same time, many students spend hours each day on phones, tablets, computers, and video games once they leave school. Pediatricians believe those trends have made free outdoor activity even more important.

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According to the academy, recess gives children a chance to reset mentally and physically. Doctors say students who have opportunities for unstructured play often return to the classroom more focused and prepared to learn. Researchers also found that movement during the school day can improve memory, confidence, and social interaction.

Those benefits are especially important because childhood obesity remains a major issue in the United States. Experts noted that one in five American children and teenagers currently struggles with obesity. Therefore, opportunities for physical movement during the school day are becoming harder to ignore.

Researchers cited evidence showing that children who stay active during school hours frequently perform better academically afterward. Rather than distracting from education, recess may actually strengthen it.

Still, many schools have moved in the opposite direction.

Since the mid 2000s, up to 40 percent of school districts have reduced or entirely removed recess time, according to the Springboard to Active Schools initiative and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In many districts, administrators have shifted more focus toward additional classroom instruction and testing preparation.

The new recommendations call on schools to reverse course by guaranteeing students at least 20 minutes of recess each day. Pediatricians also suggested that schools divide recess into multiple breaks whenever possible because shorter breaks throughout the day may help children stay more engaged.

Doctors also warned schools against taking recess away as punishment.

“If the child is disruptive or rude and disrespectful, recess is one of the things that teachers use to punish kids,” Murray said.

“Those are the very students who need it the most.”

That point may resonate with many parents who have watched schools struggle with student discipline in recent years. Pediatricians argue that removing recess from difficult students can often make behavior worse rather than better because children lose an important outlet for energy and stress.

The guidance also stressed that recess should not stop after elementary school. Experts say older students need physical breaks as well, particularly because teenagers now spend so much time connected to screens.

“As kids get older, they’re more on their screens,” said Dr. Lauren Fiechtner, a pediatric specialist.

“So it’s really helpful, I think, for outdoor activity and recess to be happening. Recess is great. We all kind of need recess.”

Many countries outside the United States already place greater emphasis on regular school breaks. In Denmark, Japan, and the United Kingdom, students commonly receive recess after every 45 to 50 minutes of instruction. Pediatricians believe those systems recognize an important reality about childhood development: kids learn better when they have regular opportunities to move and recharge.

Supporters of the updated guidance say protecting recess should not become a partisan issue. Instead, they argue it is a common sense step that benefits families, teachers, and students alike. While schools certainly face pressure to improve academic outcomes, many physicians believe removing free play from childhood has created unintended consequences.

The report ultimately reflects growing concern that constant academic pressure and nonstop technology have crowded out simple but essential parts of growing up. Pediatricians say recess remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve student well being because children need time to move, socialize, and simply be kids.

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