Study encourages schools to let kids have their recess

NBC NATIONAL NEWS — When it comes to younger children, the American Academy of Pediatrics has released a new policy statement encouraging schools to let them have their playtime.

The statement says recess offers cognitive, physical and social benefits to young children.

The unstructured playtime gives kids the opportunity to develop skills that can't be taught in the classroom, and studies show kids who have recess are healthier overall.