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The AAP publishes its first guidance on recess since 2013, citing the latest research on why breaks are essential for mental, physical, social and emotional growth, as well academic success.
May 11, 2026 - ITASCA, IL--Children’s recess is not a luxury, but a necessary part of how students learn, grow, and stay healthy at every age. It is also directly related to academic success.
That is the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which published a revised policy statement, “The Crucial Role of Recess in School,” in the June 2026 Pediatrics (published online May 11). The AAP observes that not all students experience daily recess at school, despite recent studies that show that unstructured time at recess is exactly what they need to effectively process and retain newly acquired classroom information.
“Recess should look different as children get older, but it remains just as essential for a middle- or high-school student as they move from the playground to more social experiences,” said Robert Murray, MD, FAAP, a lead author of the policy statement from the AAP Council on School Health. “Research tells us that breaks from classroom instruction help students of all ages to reset, focus better, and manage stress when they return to learning.”
The revised policy statement replaces the 2013 recommendations, citing the most recent studies in the neurophysiology of learning, adolescent health, social-emotional development, executive skills, and the role of peer engagement and play for well-being.
Policy statements created by AAP are written by medical experts, reflect the latest evidence in the field, and go through several rounds of peer review before being approved by the AAP Board of Directors and published in Pediatrics.
“As adults, we know the benefits of taking a coffee break, socializing with colleagues or taking a short walk at work when we feel tired, stressed or unproductive during the workday,” said Catherine Ramstetter, PhD, a lead author of the policy statement.
“So, why would we question the same need among children and adolescents? We know that recess supports children’s ability to learn and retain new information, while also helping them navigate social relationships and build confidence.”
The AAP recommends that recess should be protected as personal time, never withheld for academic or punitive reasons. Recess includes a wide range of activities and settings, from physical play to social interaction, indoors or outdoors, and across varying time lengths.
Recent research on the neuroscience of learning emphasizes the importance of regular breaks after concentrated bouts of teaching. Physically active play at recess can aid memory retention, as well.
“Pediatricians stand with parents and schools in protecting daily recess as essential to all children’s health and learning throughout their schooling,” Dr. Murray said. “It should be safe, inclusive, and designed so every student feels welcome and able to participate.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
