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Withholding recess from elementary school students: policies matter
Lindsey Turner1, Jamie F Chriqui, Frank J Chaloupka
1Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 West Roosevelt Road, M/C 275, Room 558, Chicago, IL 60608, USA. lindseyt@uic.edu
The Journal of School Health
|July 10, 2013
Summary
Strong district policies help prevent schools from withholding recess for behavior or academic reasons, promoting physical activity for students. This supports national recommendations for student well-being.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Education Policy
- Child Development
Background:
- Recess is crucial for elementary students' physical activity and well-being.
- National guidelines recommend against withholding recess, yet it occurs for behavior or academic reasons.
- This study investigates the link between district policies and school practices regarding recess.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if district policies influence school practices on withholding recess.
- To assess the association between policies and withholding recess for behavior management.
- To determine if policies affect the use of physical activity for behavior management.
Main Methods:
- Mail-back surveys administered to US public elementary school administrators (2008-2011).
- School district policies were collected and coded for analysis.
- A stacked cross-sectional sample of 1,919 surveys provided a nationally representative dataset.
Main Results:
- 28.3% of schools withheld recess for behavior, 26.7% for academics.
- Strong district policies significantly increased the odds of not withholding recess (OR=2.27 for behavior, OR=1.99 for academics).
- Physical activity for behavior management was uncommon and policy-unrelated.
Conclusions:
- Strengthening district policies is a viable strategy to reduce withholding recess.
- Policy changes can help ensure consistent student opportunities for physical activity.
- This approach supports healthier school environments and student engagement.
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