ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives gave final passage to House Resolution 1342, sponsored by State Representative Demetrius Douglas (D-Stockbridge), on March 16 during the 2016 legislative session. HR 1342 urges Georgia schools to allow more recess time for school children.
“Presently, students are facing higher academic expectations, along with health risks that are conducive with physical inactivity,” said Rep. Douglas. “Research has proven that children learn better when they are provided adequate breaks for physical activity – from improving their focus to developing necessary social, emotional and mental skills that will benefit them in the long run. Additionally, many students in the Metro Atlanta area do not have a way to engage in physical activities at home due to the close proximity of traffic, unsafe roadways or criminal activity. Therefore, having ample recess time during school hours is crucial for Georgia’s children.”
HR 1342 notes that some Georgia schools have recently shortened recess times to 15 minutes per day in order to make more time for test preparation. Furthermore, HR 1342 cites a recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics stating that children should have 60 minutes of active unstructured play, explaining that children who get regular recess are healthier, better able to concentrate, and develop the life skills needed in order to be engaged learners.
For more information about HR 1342, please click here.
Representative Demetrius Douglas represents the citizens of District 78, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Health & Human Services, Intragovernmental Coordination, and Motor Vehicles committees.
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