High schoolers are overworking themselves. They need at least an hour break during the day. 

   According to stress.org, “70% of  U.S. teens (ages 13-17) identify anxiety or depression as major issues among their peers.” 

   A majority of students find stress encountered in high school is a big contributor to those feelings. A break, however, would provide crucial time to relax and rebuild. Less stress throughout the day leads to better, more focused students. 

According to gargoyle.uni.illinois.edu, “Some claim that passing periods are enough of a break for students to refocus, but they are less than satisfactory. According to national statistics, students at secular public high schools each spend 6.7 hours in class a day. And because the main objective in a passing period is to get to the next class, it’s not much of a brain break.”.

Helping students focus can also improve their mental and physical health, along with their social skills. Giving kids just an hour of “recess” could make such a difference. Teachers could plan, catch up and have a rest. Students could get sun, get healthy and fit and clear out their brains to come back and do better than before.

   According to seahawkseye.org, “As the stress starts to build, it becomes hard for people to attend school; they sleep in after being up all night. Homework has become a big part of academics in high school, which does not give a good number of students enough time for extracurriculars like exercising.” 

   Schools should aim to incorporate a break into the day. It would benefit everyone and help the future forever.