The School District of Philadelphia approves a new wellness policy guaranteeing recess, bathroom access and water breaks

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The School District of Philadelphia has approved a new wellness policy that guarantees recess, bathroom access and water breaks for students, measures that can no longer be withheld as punishment.

The policy, passed by the school board last week, also requires movement breaks every 90 minutes of seated instruction for elementary school students.

Supporters say the changes follow an 18month push by Lift Every Voice Philly, a parent-led advocacy group that urged the district to adopt stronger wellness protections.

Members of the group and other supporters gathered Monday to celebrate the policy’s approval.

District officials said the new rules will affect more than 100,000 public school students and represent one of the most comprehensive wellness guarantees in the district’s history.

The district did not release additional details about when the policy will take effect.