Schools set to have intentional downtime under new Ventura law

SPRINGFIELD- With anxiety and stress increasing in schools, State Senator Rachel Ventura championed a new law aimed at easing the growing stress that students face in classrooms, prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being to enhance focus and reduce anxiety during school hours.

"Just as adults have a multitude of stressors, students also have the pressure to constantly and consistently perform above average. Our children deserve just a few minutes for themselves. Purposeful relaxation time will empower students to develop effective stress and anxiety management strategies," said Ventura (D-Joliet). "As both a parent and mental health advocate, I believe that allocating at least 20 minutes per week for students to unwind and prioritize their mental health will alleviate the constant pressure to engage in mental tasks, leading to improved academic performance."

Senate Bill 2872 provides instruction for school districts on relaxation activities, such as mindful-based movements, yoga, stretching, meditation, breathing exercises, guided relaxation techniques, quiet time, walking, in-person conversation, and other stress-relieving activities, once a week for 20 minutes, in addition to recess, to enhance physical and emotional health.

The law allows a school district to partner with a local community-based organization to provide the activities. Additionally, if a school district wishes, the activities could take place in a physical education class, social-emotional learning class, student-support or advisory class, or as part of another class, including a new class, providing ample opportunities and flexibility for schools to adopt.

Statistics from the American Psychological Association show that 4.1 million children in the U.S. between the ages of 3 and 17 years old have been diagnosed with anxiety. In Illinois alone, 145,000 children between the ages of 12-17 have depression.

"We have all heard stories of teens struggling with mental health problems, especially as they progress through high school. The prevalence of this issue should be enough to drive this home: kids need new tools to maintain emotional stability," said State Representative Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake). "A consistent state of mind is the foundation to being happy and taking advantage of a good education, as well as finding success while working in later years. SB 2872 represents substantive progress towards imparting that stability."

Senate Bill 2872 was signed into law Friday and is effective Jan. 1, 2025.