Recess is not just a fun break for grade schoolers. It is crucial to good health and good grades for students of all ages. That was the message from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which released its first updated guidance on recess in 13 years in May 2026.
The new guidance, published in the journal Pediatrics, extends well beyond elementary school. For the first time, the AAP recommends that middle and high school students also receive regular, unstructured breaks during the school day. The recommendation is based on a growing body of research showing that physical activity, social interaction, and unstructured play time benefit cognitive function, emotional regulation, and academic performance at every age.
The updated policy statement comes at a time when recess time has been shrinking across American schools. Many schools have reduced or eliminated recess in favor of more instructional time, driven by testing pressure and academic performance metrics. The AAP argues that this trade-off is counterproductive: students who have regular recess breaks are more focused, better behaved, and perform better academically.
The guidance also emphasizes that recess should be safe, well-supervised, and inclusive. It should not be withheld as a punishment. The AAP recommends at least 20 minutes of daily recess for elementary students and regular breaks for older students. The policy statement provides specific recommendations for schools on scheduling, supervision, and equipment.
Knowledge takeaway: the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends recess for all K-12 students, not just elementary schoolers; regular unstructured breaks improve cognitive function, emotional regulation, and academic performance while reducing behavioral issues.