Playtime essential to kids’ health, learning

ACTIVITY:  School breaks should not be regarded as wasted academic time or withheld as punishment. A paediatrician explains why daily outdoor play supports children’s physical health, emotional development, social skills and ability to concentrate in class…

By Own Correspondent

As families prepare for the start of a new school term, much attention is understandably given to nutritious breakfasts, homework routines and ensuring children get enough sleep.

Yet, another important part of a child’s day is sometimes overlooked: time for physical activity and unstructured play.

Recess — commonly known as break or playtime — is not a luxury for children. It is a necessity.

Children spend much of the school day in structured academic settings, listening to teachers, completing assignments and following instructions. Playtime gives them an essential physical and mental reset before they return to the classroom.

Unstructured play allows children to relax, release stress and improve their mood.

After a period of movement and social interaction, they are often better able to concentrate, participate and learn.

Physically, playtime encourages exercise, movement, balance and coordination. It also creates opportunities for children to communicate, cooperate, resolve disagreements and develop friendships — all of which are important parts of healthy childhood development.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has reinforced this message in its first updated policy statement on school recess in 13 years.

The organisation stresses that playtime is far more than an enjoyable break in the school day. It is an important requirement for pupils’ physical, mental and academic wellbeing.

The AAP also argues that recess should be regarded as a child’s personal time and should never be withheld as punishment or to complete schoolwork.

Children who struggle with their behaviour or classroom concentration may be among those who benefit most from an opportunity to move, relax and reset.

Depriving them of playtime could make it even more difficult for them to regulate their emotions and return to their lessons ready to learn.

Protecting time for movement is especially important amid growing concern about childhood obesity and increasingly inactive lifestyles.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five children and adolescents in that country is affected by obesity.

The health agency recommends that children and teenagers get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. A protected daily play period is one of the most practical and reliable ways for schools to help pupils work towards that target.

However, break time should not be expected to provide all the exercise children require. It should form part of a broader daily routine that includes opportunities for movement at school, at home and within the community.

Safe outdoor spaces are equally important. Children need places where they can run, explore, play with others and simply enjoy being children.

Outdoor play promotes creativity, independence and emotional control. It can also help children gain confidence as they make their own decisions, invent games and learn to manage social situations without every activity being directed by an adult.

Protecting playtime is therefore a direct investment in children’s physical, emotional and developmental health.

Screens cannot replace active play

Even where schools provide a scheduled break, there is concern about children spending that time indoors using laptops, tablets or other electronic devices.

Many pupils already spend substantial portions of the school day looking at screens. Allowing them to continue using devices during their break defeats the purpose of giving their minds and bodies time to recover.

Extended screen use may contribute to eye strain, headaches, reduced social interaction, difficulty concentrating and mental fatigue.

When children use electronic devices instead of taking part in active play, they miss opportunities for movement, face-to-face communication and a genuine break from academic demands.

Indoor recess may sometimes be unavoidable because of extreme weather, unsafe outdoor conditions or a lack of suitable facilities.

However, even indoors, schools can offer movement-based games, creative activities and opportunities for social interaction without relying on screens.

Ultimately, playtime is about much more than taking a break from lessons. It supports children’s mental and physical health, strengthens emotional regulation and contributes to healthy social development.

Schools and parents should therefore work together to protect opportunities for safe, active and preferably outdoor play during the school day.

Treating playtime as an essential part of education — rather than time taken away from learning — can help children return to the classroom healthier, calmer and better prepared to learn. – Newswise