Research
Children's recess activity in extreme heat highlights need for adult-guided safety measures
The Brief
- A survey of 170 elementary students in the Phoenix, Arizona, metro area over August–September 2024 examined recess in extreme heat.
- The average maximum temperature in that period was 97°F (36.1°C).
- Students reported feeling "a lot hot" directly after recess in 45% of surveys.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that children's heat exposure during unstructured recess may need adult-guided safety measures, which is relevant to school health and climate adaptation planning.
Who’s affected
- school administrators and teachers
- parents and public health officials in hot climates
- #extreme heat
- #child health
- #schools
- #recess
- #climate adaptation
In a survey of 170 elementary students in the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area over August–September 2024 (the average maximum temperature during this period was 97°F; 36.1°C), students reported feeling "a lot hot" directly after recess in 45% of surveys—and higher perceived…
Timeline
Survey of 170 elementary students in Phoenix metro area begins (August–September 2024 period)
Survey period ends (August–September 2024)
Study findings reported by Medical Xpress
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Children's recess activity in extreme heat highlights need for adult-guided safety measures