State Rep. Introduces Bill to Boost Recess for Elementary and Middle School
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State Rep. Introduces Bill to Boost Recess for
Elementary and Middle School
Tennessee prides itself on delivering a quality education to its students, but in one essential area, we are falling behind—recess. Recess is not just a “break” from learning—it’s a crucial part of the learning process. Research consistently shows that recess benefits students’ physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Yet many children in Tennessee receive far less than what’s recommended.
Currently, Tennessee mandates just 15 minutes of recess for elementary students, while middle schoolers have no state-mandated break at all. This limited recess time is inadequate given the overwhelming evidence that regular, unstructured play is essential to children’s development. In fact, Tennessee’s labor laws guarantee adults a 30-minute break for every six hours of work. If adults can be given time to rest and recharge during their workday, why aren’t we providing the same for our children—who spend between 6.5 – 7 hrs a day in school?
Tennessee faces a growing childhood obesity crisis, ranking 6th in the nation. Meanwhile, health experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that children engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Recess is an easy and effective way to meet this need, while also enhancing mental and emotional health. Recess is not a waste of time—it’s time well spent.
That’s why the Say YES to RECESS campaign is advocating for a new law that
would require two 30-minute recess periods for elementary students—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—and at least one 30-minute break for middle school students. A state representative has committed to introducing the bill in the 2025 legislative session, marking an important step forward. However, there are still challenges to address before this bill can become law. The legislative session begins on January 14, 2025, and once it does, your involvement and the support of the media will be essential to its success.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
To make sure this important legislation moves forward, we need the support of all Tennesseans—and the media—more than ever. Here’s how you can get involved:
Sign the Petition: https://chng.it/k9pNttwHfs
Contact Your Legislators: Reach out to your local lawmakers and urge them to support this important legislation. https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/Apps/fml2022/search.aspx Spread the Word: Share information about the campaign via social media, emails, and community groups to help build awareness and support.
We also need media outlets to amplify our message and help raise awareness about the importance of recess for Tennessee’s children. Your coverage could help ensure this legislation becomes a reality.
For more information about the campaign and how you can get involved, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ Say YES to RECESS Tennessee.
Join the Movement to Support Student Wellness and Academic Success!
CONTACT: FACEBOOK: Say YES to RECESS Tennessee
INSTAGRAM: SayYestoRecessTennessee
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE / TEXT: Rachel Bush (304) 389-0942, [email protected]
Morgan Garner (615) 218-1248, [email protected]
Kathryn Truman (845) 238-6811, [email protected]