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The American Academy of Pediatrics says that breaks are necessary for learning
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Children and teenagers use recess to consolidate memories of their daily lessons
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Taking a break also has physical and social benefits
THURSDAY, May 14, 2026 (NewsDay News) – Recess is not a luxury for school children, but a necessary part of how they learn, grow and stay healthy, according to a policy statement released on May 11, 2026. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The AAP says that not all students have a daily recess at school, but that structured time is exactly what they need to effectively process and retain what they learn in class.
Evidence has shown that multiple breaks of at least 20 minutes each day are best for realizing the full cognitive, physical and social benefits of breaks, the statement said.
“As adults, we know the benefits of coffee breaks, socializing with coworkers, or taking a short walk at work when we’re feeling tired, stressed, or unproductive during the workday,” she said. Katherine Ramstetterco-author of the statement. Ramstetter is the school’s health and research advisor Healthy successful children in Ohio.
“So why are we questioning a need for children and teenagers?” Ramstetter said in a news release. “We know that recess supports children’s ability to learn and retain new information, while helping them navigate social interactions and build confidence.”
Such breaks provide students with an offline “wake-up break” after intensive instructional sessions, during which working memories of their daily lessons can be strengthened. These lessons are then transferred to the children’s long-term memory when they sleep that night, the statement said.
Physical play during recess can also help memory and retention, the statement said.
Recess should be a part of the school day for students of all ages, the statement said.
“Recess should vary as children get older, but it remains important for a middle or high school student as they transition from the playground to more social experiences,” the co-author said. Dr. Robert Murray it is said in the news. He is a professor emeritus of pediatrics at The Ohio State University.
“Research tells us that taking breaks from classroom instruction helps students of all ages reset, improve focus, and manage stress when they return to learning,” she said.
The AAP recommends that recess be reserved as personal time and never as a punishment or for educational reasons.
Recess can include a wide range of activities, from physical play to social interaction, and can take place indoors or outdoors, the statement said.
“Pediatricians work with parents and schools to protect the daily breaks that are essential to the overall health and learning of all children throughout their schooling,” added Murray. “It needs to be safe, inclusive and designed so that every student feels welcome and able to participate.”
A new statement appears in the newspaper Pediatrics.
More information
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information on this break benefit.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, news release, May 11, 2026; PediatricsMay 11, 2026
What does this mean for you?
Parents and teachers should encourage recess for their children’s education and health.
