New York Proposal Would Protect Daily Recess for Elementary Kids

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A proposed bill in the New York State Senate, Senate Bill S6858, would require all public and private schools where the school day exceeds five hours to provide a minimum of 30 minutes of daily recess for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and for sixth graders who attend elementary school. The bill states that recess is essential to the physical well-being and mental health of elementary school students.

Why it matters

The legislation aims to address rising obesity rates, youth mental health concerns, and the decline in peer interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting unstructured play time for elementary students. Lawmakers believe recess supports socialization, creativity, stress relief, and academic success.

The details

If passed, the bill would amend the state education law to create a new section dedicated to daily recess. It outlines that the 30 minutes of recess must be supervised but student-directed, with no phones, tablets, videos or computers allowed. Schools would also be required to provide tools for play, such as balls and jump ropes, and hold recess outside whenever possible, even in winter. Lunch and physical education cannot count as recess, and schools cannot routinely withhold recess as punishment.

• The bill has been introduced and referred to the New York State Senate Committee on Education.

What’s next

If the bill moves forward, it would take effect on July 1 following its passage into law, guaranteeing at least 30 minutes a day of recess for every elementary student in New York.