Arizona Parents, Lawmakers Working Together To Push Mandatory Recess Time And Sunscreen Use In Schools

Arizona parents are having their say and are closely working with lawmakers to push two mandatory laws in schools. One involves having a 50-minute mandatory recess for students and the other involves the use of sunscreen without needing a prescription or doctors' note.

According to ABC15 Arizona, some parents want schools to allow the kids 50-minute recess that can be broken down into at least two or three sessions. As it is, most elementary students in Arizona enjoy a 20-minute break. Giving additional recess is left to the teacher's discretion and it's not usually observed.

Mom Sandi O'Connor told the news outlet that a 20-minute recess is not enough when kids are in classes for seven hours. The children could get a burnout from school work, thus frequent breaks would be ideal so that it can help with their attention span, interest and enthusiasm for learning.

Some kids also use their short recess break to play instead of eating lunch. As a result, they skip their meals altogether, which could lead to health problems in the kids.

The problem, however, is that many teachers are pressured to make time adjustments as it is. Additional time for play or relaxation could rob the kids of the time that should be spent in learning.

"[With] certain the Arizona Merit or the state test, they want their kids to perform their best and there's some anxiety about having the kids ready," Superintendent Quinn Kellis told the news outlet. Some parents, however, agree that the children have enough time to play at home and they are in school to study. Learn more about House Bill 2082.

Meanwhile, Arizona lawmakers are also pushing to make sunscreens mandatory in school. According to AZ Central, sunscreens are currently disallowed unless it comes with a doctor's prescription. The Arizona School Boards Association confirmed  sunscreen is regarded as medication in some of the schools.

"This is a big issue in a state filled with 300-plus days of sunshine," Rep. Heather Carter told the news outlet. She believes that parents must also teach the kids the importance of sunscreen use and care against skin cancer. Learn more about House Bill 2134.