Most public debate about schooling focuses on what happens inside the classroom – on lessons, tests and academic results.

But students also spend significant time at school outside formal classes. While break times vary between Australian schools, a 2026 study suggests average recess and lunch periods take up about 12-16% of school time. This is between 62-82 minutes per day across both primary and high school. By comparison, Finland – regarded as one of the world’s leading education systems – sets aside more than 19% of the school day for breaks.

Recess and lunch are generally regarded as “breaks” from learning – where children can play or have free time. But given they make up such a significant part of the school day, should schools and education systems give them more consideration?

In a new study, we surveyed 130 primary and high school teachers about their views on school break times.

Teachers came from 25 countries and were recruited by targeted posts on social media. The majority of participants were female, from co-educational schools, had taught for more than 11 years and were working within early elementary/primary grade levels up to Year 2.

Teachers completed an online survey that included short, rating questions and longer, open-ended responses.

We deliberately included teachers from outside Australia. Schools across the world face similar pressures in terms of crowded curricula, accountability demands, risk management requirements and growing concerns about students’........

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