Olga Jarrett, 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.
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 at some point, they have observed this behavior among students.
When are they observing bullying?
- 38 percent before recess
- 55 percent during recess
- 39 percent after
According to StopBullying.gov, between one in four, and one in three 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! 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.
