What Are the Pros and Cons of Recess in Schools?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

According to Public School Review, the pros of recess include giving children time to socialize with their friends outside of the classroom, to get exercise and to have a break from their school work. The cons include taking time away from teachers who need more classroom time and being a liability for schools in general.

Allowing kids to get exercise is one of the major issues that parents and advocacy groups, such as the Florida Department of Health, have against schools cutting recess. Not only does not getting a break wear kids out emotionally and mentally, it also makes it difficult for children to maintain a healthy weight. Allowing kids to go out and exercise every day also helps reduce the risk of diseases, such as heart disease, later in life.

As reported on the Public School Review website, the Florida Department of Health states that kids are more likely to play harder and longer if they are able to play with their friends. Some kids do not get the opportunity to play with their friends outside of the school environment. So while some schools argue that kids need to go home and play, it is impossible for some kids to play in a safe environment similar to what schools provide.