This was originally published on the Public Health – Seattle & King County Public Health Insider.
Beginning this school year, students across Washington State will have more time for their favorite part of the school day—recess! Thanks to a new law signed into law in 2023 by the Governor, all students in grades K-5 are now guaranteed recess to support their physical and mental health.
Key points of the new law
The school recess law requires:
- Guaranteed recess for elementary school: a minimum of 30 minutes on days longer than 5 hours
- Outdoor play: Recess should be held outside whenever possible.
- Tech-free time: No computers, tablets, or phones during recess.
In addition, the law also directs the Washington State School Directors Association to create a policy that must be adopted by local school boards that encourages physical activity breaks for middle and high school students and recommends recess before lunch to help kids eat better and waste less food.
Ensuring fair recess time for all
A 2022 study by the King County Play Equity Coalition revealed that recess time varied widely across the state. Some kids got over 45 minutes, while others had less than 10 minutes. The new law aims to standardize recess time and discourage schools from withholding it as punishment or to make up schoolwork, which often affects boys and students of color more.
Why recess matters
Recess is crucial for children’s health, mental well-being, and learning. Here’s why:
- Better learning: Kids are more focused and ready to learn after recess.
- Less disruption: Teachers spend less time managing fidgeting and distractions.
- Social-emotional growth: Recess is a key time for kids to develop social and emotional skills through play.
When kids have daily recess, they experience:
- Reduced stress and anxiety.
- Improved social skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Better physical health.
- Enhanced memory, attention, and concentration.
- Fewer disruptive behaviors in the classroom.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children engage in 60 minutes of physical activity daily, and recess plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. With children leading more sedentary lives, guaranteed daily recess is a big step forward.
How you can advocate for recess
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers can be crucial in ensuring kids get their recess. Make sure your child’s teacher and principal know about the new law. If your child isn’t getting recess or being withheld, speak up! For more resources, visit recessforwa.org.
