A healthy recess during school can cut down on bullying, improve learning, study finds

New research shows a healthy recess period during the school day can cut down on bullying and strengthen the school climate.

The report from researchers at Mathematica Policy Research and Stanford University compared schools in five cities who used Playworks — a program that uses a full-time coach to work to engage students in safe, healthy play during recess and throughout the day — to similar schools who did not use the program.

Schools that used the Playworks method had less bullying; better recess behavior and readiness for class. Teachers reported quicker transition to learning activities after recess and the students felt safer and more included at recess. Nearly 100 percent of teachers in Playworks said they wanted to use the program again the next school year. (Read more)