Mothers' campaign for longer school recess spreads across US

A campaign initiated by three mothers in Tennessee, advocating for increased recess time for schoolchildren, is gaining momentum and expanding its reach across the United States. The movement gained traction after one mother discovered her seven-year-old son, Sawyer, was receiving only 20 minutes of recess per school day.

Kathryn Truman, Sawyer's mother, expressed her dismay upon seeing her son's school schedule, which offered minimal time for outdoor play. "He just wanted to be outside and run around," Truman told Aftenposten, highlighting the fundamental need for physical activity during the school day.

The mothers' efforts have already yielded results in Tennessee, where they successfully lobbied for an increase in the minimum recess requirement for students. Buoyed by this victory, they are now setting their sights on other states, aiming to replicate their success and ensure more children benefit from adequate break times.

The campaign underscores a growing concern among parents and educators about the impact of reduced recess on children's physical, mental, and social development. By pushing for policy changes, these mothers are championing the importance of play as an integral part of a child's education.

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He just wanted to be outside and run around.