Update New Jersey's recess law for all students
The Issue
As a concerned parent, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of limited recess time on children, including my own. Many students in New Jersey schools, from kindergarteners to teenagers in high school, are enduring long hours of academic instruction with insufficient breaks for physical activity and mental rejuvenation. This outdated system is not only stifling our children's creativity and ability to focus but is also counterproductive to their overall well-being and academic success.
The current New Jersey Recess Law mandates a mere 20 minutes of recess, and it's restricted only to students in grades K-5. This is not enough. Studies conducted by respected health organizations, including the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, indicate that children benefit significantly from at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Recess provides a crucial opportunity for this physical engagement as well as social interaction, which helps in the development of critical life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
Furthermore, in today's digital age, many kids are overly exposed to screens during their leisure time. Allowing elements of screen time during recess contradicts the purpose of giving children a break from technology and encouraging them to explore outdoor play, which is essential for their physical and mental health.
I am calling on New Jersey lawmakers to update and improve the current Recess Law. The law should increase the minimum amount of recess from 20 to 60 minutes daily and extend these protections to students in grades 6-12. The updated law should also ban screen time during recess to ensure that students engage in healthy physical and social activities.
By implementing these changes, we can foster a healthy, balanced educational environment that prioritizes holistic development for all students across New Jersey. This will not only improve academic performance but also enhance the physical and emotional well-being of our children.
Join me in advocating for a brighter and healthier future for our children. Sign this petition to urge New Jersey lawmakers to take immediate action for our kids' sake. Together, let's make recess a more meaningful and essential part of our children's school day.
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The Issue
As a concerned parent, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of limited recess time on children, including my own. Many students in New Jersey schools, from kindergarteners to teenagers in high school, are enduring long hours of academic instruction with insufficient breaks for physical activity and mental rejuvenation. This outdated system is not only stifling our children's creativity and ability to focus but is also counterproductive to their overall well-being and academic success.
The current New Jersey Recess Law mandates a mere 20 minutes of recess, and it's restricted only to students in grades K-5. This is not enough. Studies conducted by respected health organizations, including the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, indicate that children benefit significantly from at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Recess provides a crucial opportunity for this physical engagement as well as social interaction, which helps in the development of critical life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
Furthermore, in today's digital age, many kids are overly exposed to screens during their leisure time. Allowing elements of screen time during recess contradicts the purpose of giving children a break from technology and encouraging them to explore outdoor play, which is essential for their physical and mental health.
I am calling on New Jersey lawmakers to update and improve the current Recess Law. The law should increase the minimum amount of recess from 20 to 60 minutes daily and extend these protections to students in grades 6-12. The updated law should also ban screen time during recess to ensure that students engage in healthy physical and social activities.
By implementing these changes, we can foster a healthy, balanced educational environment that prioritizes holistic development for all students across New Jersey. This will not only improve academic performance but also enhance the physical and emotional well-being of our children.
Join me in advocating for a brighter and healthier future for our children. Sign this petition to urge New Jersey lawmakers to take immediate action for our kids' sake. Together, let's make recess a more meaningful and essential part of our children's school day.
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Petition created on August 13, 2026