Afternoon breaks could make children fitter and do not take away from learning, research suggests.
Researchers from Swansea University looked at more than 5,000 primary-school students from across Wales. They found those who had playtime in the afternoon, as well as a morning and lunchtime break, could run further.
This is compared to the youngsters who only had morning and midday breaks.
Critics argue too many breaks take away from time in the classroom. However, the researchers also found the children who spent longer on the playground performed just as well academically.
Afternoon breaks were once a standard part of a child's school day, academics behind the study wrote in The Conversation.
However, concerns over poor behaviour and a lack of time in the classroom means they are now few and far between.
This is despite studies showing that playtime can play a critical role in a child's development.
Past studies suggest break time is when children are most likely to argue during the school day.
When the HAPPEN team asked the children how they could be happier, some said they would like for everyone to 'get along'. However, most answered more time and space to play.
The researchers stress interactions are important for a child's 'broader social development', however, it is important to create a 'positive environment'.
'If these breaks are to be given in more schools, more support is needed to help schools ensure play is meaningful, inclusive and encouraging of positive social relationships,' they wrote in The Conversation.
'Perhaps afternoon play times are the perfect time for independent activities.
'This could help children gain the benefits of better physical health and perhaps help deal with some of the difficulties associated with afternoon play.'
Some have called for play workers to oversee breaks rather than teachers.
Others argue a range of activities should be available to children during their 'time off' rather than just 'unstructured play'.
