Ensuring Positive Discipline in Schools: Understanding the Impacts of Denying Recess and Physical Punishments for Students. Help Is on the Way – California’s SB291

By Woodsmall Law Group on July 3, 2024

Parents and teachers often face the challenging task of managing children’s behavior in school. While the primary goal is to create a conducive learning environment, the methods used to achieve this can significantly impact a child’s development. For children with IEPs or 504 plans, the question can be significantly more complex. This article explores the research and guidelines surrounding common disciplinary practices such as denial of recess, lining up children against the wall, and running laps for punishment. Additionally, it delves into California’s Senate Bill 291 – Pupil Rights: Recess, which aims to protect children’s access to recess.

The Importance of Recess

Recess is more than just a break for children; it is a crucial part of their school day that contributes to their physical, social, and emotional well-being. Research consistently shows that recess has several benefits:

• Physical health: Recess provides children with the opportunity to engage in physical activity, which is essential for their overall health and development. Regular physical activity helps prevent obesity, improves cardiovascular health, and builds strong bones and muscles.
• Social skills: Unstructured playtime during recess allows children to develop social skills such as cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution. These interactions are vital for developing interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Cognitive function: Breaks during the school day have been shown to improve attention, behavior, and cognitive performance in the classroom. Studies have found that children who participate in regular recess are more attentive and less fidgety during class.
• Emotional well-being: Recess serves as an outlet for stress and anxiety, helping children return to the classroom refreshed and ready to learn. It provides a necessary break from the structured environment of the classroom.

Denial of Recess as Punishment

Despite the clear benefits, some schools use the denial of recess as a disciplinary measure. This practice can have several negative consequences:

• Increased behavioral issues: Depriving children of recess can lead to increased behavioral problems. Children who miss out on physical activity and social interactions may become more restless and disruptive in class. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against withholding recess as a punishment, as it can exacerbate behavior issues rather than resolve them.
• Academic impact: Without the necessary break, children’s ability to concentrate and engage in learning activities may diminish, leading to poorer academic performance. Research indicates that breaks are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout.
• Physical health concerns: Regular physical activity is essential for children’s health. Denying recess can contribute to sedentary behaviors, increasing the risk of obesity and other health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of daily physical activity for children.

Physical Punishments: Lining Up and Running Laps

Physical punishments, such as making children line up against the wall or run laps, are sometimes used as disciplinary tactics. However, these methods can have detrimental effects:

• Negative associations: Using physical activity as punishment can create negative associations with exercise, discouraging children from engaging in physical activities later in life. The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) advises against using physical activity as punishment, as it can negatively impact a child’s lifelong attitude toward exercise.
• Emotional impact: Such punishments can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment, negatively affecting a child’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. The National Association of School Psychologists highlights the importance of fostering a positive school climate to support student mental health.
• Ineffectiveness: Research indicates that punitive measures are often ineffective in changing long-term behavior. Positive reinforcement and restorative practices tend to yield better results. Studies suggest that children respond better to positive discipline strategies that focus on teaching appropriate behaviors.

California’s Senate Bill 291 – Pupil Rights: Recess

In response to growing concerns about the denial of recess as a disciplinary measure, California introduced Senate Bill 291 – Pupil Rights: Recess. SB291 is not the first time that the state has opined on recess. In fact, the current state of the law strongly supports the use of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports and restorative discipline over punishment. Physical education standards emphasize access to physical exercise, and professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics have provided guidance on the need for recess. This bill aims to safeguard students’ access to recess by establishing clear guidelines:

• Prohibition of recess denial: The bill explicitly prohibits the use of recess denial as a punishment for students in elementary schools. By ensuring that all students have access to recess, the bill supports their right to physical activity and unstructured playtime.
• Encouragement of positive discipline: SB 291 encourages schools to adopt positive discipline strategies that promote a supportive and inclusive school environment. The bill aligns with research advocating for restorative practices and positive behavior interventions.
• Professional development: The bill mandates professional development for teachers and staff on effective classroom management techniques and the importance of recess. This provision ensures that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement positive discipline strategies.
• Special education needs must be considered: The bill mandates that schools reconcile its discipline policies with a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan. This suggests that, in addition to the new protections of the law, parents, teachers, and educational professionals should be mindful to consider a student’s special-education-related needs when considering discipline approaches, such as the needs that the student might have for sensory regulation, emotional regulation, impulse control, etc. Goals related to recess should be revisited and, if appropriate, added to the IEP or 504 Document.

California Children All Deserve Recess Access

The denial of recess and the use of physical punishments are outdated and ineffective disciplinary practices that can have long-lasting negative impacts on children. Research supports the importance of recess for children’s physical, social, and cognitive development. California’s Senate Bill 291 represents a positive step toward ensuring that all children in California have access to the benefits of recess, promoting healthier and more productive school environments.

As parents and teachers, it is crucial to advocate for and implement positive discipline strategies that respect children’s rights and support their overall well-being. By doing so, we can create a nurturing and effective educational experience for all students.

Senate Bill 291 was signed by the Governor in October of 2023. As of the start of the 2024-2025 school year, districts must be in compliance with SB291.

A Los Angeles County Attorney Can Help if Your Child Is Denied Access to Recess

Contact Woodsmall Law Group if you have concerns about your special-education-eligible child’s access to recess or other extracurriculars. Our team of Los Angeles County special education lawyers at Woodsmall Law Group are committed to serving children and adults with disabilities and their parents all over Los Angeles County, focusing on the San Gabriel Valley.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s placement or the services they are receiving, please call our law firm at (626) 440-0028 to schedule a free initial consultation. We speak English, Mandarin, and Spanish.