Playtime detention violates pupils’ rights, schools told

Psychologists claim bans during breaks can harm emotional and physical development of children

GIVING children detention during break time is a violation of their human rights, the British Psychological Society has said.

Schools should never threaten to take away a pupil’s break or lunch time as a punishment, according to the society’s educational and child psychology division.

Children learn to manage a range of emotions through playing, such as frustration, determination, disappointment and confidence, the society explained in its position paper.

Unstructured play is critical for children’s wellbeing and development, the experts said, adding that it was also important for physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. “We are concerned by the diminishing opportunities for play within the lives of children,” the society said.

Dr Gavin Morgan, chairman of the division, said that children had a “fundamental” right to play.

“The benefits of play for children, including older children, have been well documented by educational psychologists, and it is crucial that this part of their development isn’t taken away as a punishment for misbehaviour or to complete unfinished work,” he said.

“Play improves physical and emotional wellbeing, and creates stronger relationships between peers, within families and across wider communities.”

Dr Morgan urged educational psychologists to challenge schools that give children detentions during break or lunch times.

The warning came amid rising concerns about childhood obesity levels, with more than 22,000 out of 556,000 Year 6 pupils classed as severely obese.

It also follows research published earlier this year that found just one per cent of secondary schools now have afternoon breaks compared with 41 per cent almost three decades ago. A study by University College London’s Institute of Education found a “marked reduction” in the amount of break time children are allowed, with 11 to 16-yearolds now having 65 minutes per week less than they did 25 years ago.

Researchers examined how school breaks and children’s social lives have changed by comparing data from more than 1,000 primary and secondary schools in 2017, 2006 and 1995. They found that the length of the school day has remained about the same over 25 years but break times are being “squeezed” out with potentially “serious implications” for children’s well-being.

The Department for Education says schools should ensure pupils are given “an appropriate break”, adding: “We recognise the importance of physical activity in schools to improve both physical and mental wellbeing.”

The Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines state that primary age children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day.