Brain and Body: The Physical and Cognitive Benefits of Play
January 17, 2024The Importance of Free Playtime: It’s OK to Just Play
March 4, 2024Olga Jarrett, a recess expert, wrote in her research-based case for recess that, “given the strong evidence suggesting recess meets so many physical, social, emotional, and academic needs, recess for all is a goal worth pursuing.” And we agree! The good news is that more states are getting back on track with recess, too, like Arizona.
Earlier this year, after previously opposing the bill, the state passed a new law requiring every public and charter elementary school in the state to have two recess periods for students each school day. It’s hopeful that more states will follow suit, recognizing the immense benefits of recess for students’ health and well-being. While the benefits of play are well-documented, well-meaning detractors of recess may see recess as a time when bullying is more likely, but this logical approach may be flawed.
Across the U.S., bullying remains an ongoing issue, so we asked teachers in a survey from earlier this year about their observations on the topic. We found that 67 percent of the teachers surveyed said that at some point, they had observed this behavior among students.
When Are Teachers Observing Bullying?
Understanding when bullying occurs is vital for implementing effective prevention strategies. Teachers, as key observers and intervening parties, play an essential role in this process. The following statistics reflect their observations, shedding light on the critical times for heightened vigilance and action to ensure a safe and supportive environment for every student.
- 38 percent of bullying occurs before recess
- 55 percent of bullying occurs during recess
- 39 percent of bullying occurs after recess
According to StopBullying.gov, between 25-33% of U.S. students say they have been bullied at school. Among the teachers in our survey, 64 percent agreed that recess reduces bullying. One step closer in the fight against bullying!
However, that’s not nearly the full picture. A study supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and conducted by researchers from Mathematica Policy Research and Stanford University found that recess programs significantly reduce bullying in schools. These programs, which focus on healthy recess and playtime, have been shown to improve the overall social and learning environment for students. This includes not only a reduction in bullying but also enhanced student focus in the classroom and high teacher satisfaction. The research underscores the importance of a safe, healthy recess environment as a key driver of better behavior and learning outcomes.
Nancy Barrand, RWJF special advisor for program development, said, “These new findings, taken together with existing data, tell us that kids better relate with one another, resolve conflicts constructively, get plenty of physical activity on the playground, and return to class focused and ready to learn. Increasingly, health and education leaders are recognizing that recess and play are effective ways to strengthen schools and foster children’s social, emotional, and physical development.”
After recess, students are generally more attentive and better able to perform cognitively, showcasing the cognitive and academic benefits of such breaks. Research shows that recess aids in the physical well-being of children by promoting activity and supports their social and emotional development. Through play, children learn vital communication skills, including negotiation, cooperation, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as coping skills like perseverance and self-control. These skills are fundamental, lifelong personal tools, creating the empathy that helps to reduce bullying behaviors.
To get more resources on bullying, visit stopbullying.gov/get-help-now, and click here to read more about the Voice of Play’s recess survey, or view our article on dealing with playground bullies