Kids recess in Canada has no legal protection. No legislation. Some schools have it. Some do not. A researcher who has been in this field for twenty-five years says that matters more right now than it ever has.

The mental health case is direct: anxiety, isolation, lack of movement, and screen time are already pulling in one direction. Taking recess out adds fuel. Chicago removed it for forty years. Canada has no guardrails preventing the same thing.

The playground paradox lands here too. The old equipment looked dangerous and built resilience. The asphalt schoolyard looks safe and produces kids with no sense of their own physical limits. The research says less equipment makes children less safe, not more.

Topics: kids recess, children's mental health, playground safety, school play, unstructured play

GUEST: Dr. Lauren McNamara | recessprojectcanada.com

Originally aired on 2026-05-26

Kids recess in Canada has no legal protection. No legislation. Some schools have it. Some do not. A researcher who has been in this field for twenty-five years says that matters more right now than it ever has.
The mental health case is direct: anxiety, isolation, lack of movement, and screen time are already pulling in one direction. Taking recess out adds fuel. Chicago removed it for forty years. Canada has no guardrails preventing the same thing.
The playground paradox lands here too. The old equipment looked dangerous and built resilience. The asphalt schoolyard looks safe and produces kids with no sense of their own physical limits. The research says less equipment makes children less safe, not more.
Topics: kids recess, children's mental health, playground safety, school play, unstructured play
GUEST: Dr. Lauren McNamara | recessprojectcanada.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-26

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.