Are summer holidays good for children? It's time researchers asked them
When academic research has explored the impact of school summer vacations, it has often focused on the costs to parents and children's learning and health.
Children and young people's experiences of school summer breaks are often overlooked in academic research, despite their significance as leisure time, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Research has focused on the costs to parents and children's learning and health, such as child care juggling, expenses for activities, and potential learning loss or sedentary behavior.
However, there is limited awareness of children's right to leisure, which should be seen as a chance to rest and do what they want. The Welsh Government has consulted on shortening the summer break and redistributing vacations more evenly, while some U.S. jurisdictions have experimented with more balanced school calendars. A study on young people's experiences found that school breaks provide a break from schoolwork and difficult relationships, as well as opportunities to direct their own time and engage in enjoyable activities.
Trusted adults and local organizations play a crucial role in supporting young people during these breaks. However, further research is needed to understand the impact on diverse groups of children, including those with disabilities, from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and those in care.
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