Students Call for Longer Lunchtime to Boost Well-Being and Productivity

Students at David Brearley are urging administrators to extend the school’s lunch period. Many say the current 25-minute break is too short to eat, relax, and prepare for afternoon classes. They argue that a longer lunch would improve focus, reduce stress, and promote healthier eating habits.

High school students often struggle to balance academics, extracurriculars, and social lives within a tight schedule. By the time students get through the long lunch lines with food, there is barely any time left to eat. It can be stressful; many students feel rushed and often skip meals or rely on fast, unhealthy options. This leads to students not eating enough to stay focused for the rest of the day.

Teachers have also noticed the effects of short lunch periods. Students appear tired and distracted after lunch, which can hurt classroom performance. Longer lunch periods could allow students to eat more mindfully, attend after-school meetings, or be better prepared for afternoon classes — all of which would contribute to a healthier school environment and increased academic performance. Some schools across the country that have extended their lunch breaks report higher student satisfaction and improved afternoon attendance.

School administrators should review the lunch schedule as part of a broader discussion about student wellness. If approved, the change would take effect next year. Other districts that have made similar adjustments have also seen a decrease in cafeteria waste and an increase in participation in school meal programs. For now, students should continue to voice their support for a simple yet meaningful change: more time to recharge in the middle of the day.