Image of a student eating lunch while watching the clock

Illustration by Tom Garrett; Debate photos courtesy of families; Shutterstock.com (all other images)

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Should Lunchtime Be Longer?

For many students, lunch can feel like a race. They have to wait in the cafeteria line, find a seat, and eat—all before the bell rings. Maine lawmakers might pass a new law that would change that. It would give kids at least 30 minutes for lunch. 

Some experts say longer lunches are a good thing. Not rushing can help kids digest their food better. And kids would have more time to finish their entire meal.  

But to make more time for lunch, schools might have to cut class time. Some people argue that kids shouldn’t miss out on learning time.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

At my school, we have a 20-minute lunch period. Kids have plenty of time to eat. That’s especially true when cafeteria lines are short or kids bring their lunch from home. We even have time to talk to friends at the lunch table.  

Schools might have to cut classes short to make lunch periods longer. And some teachers already have trouble fitting in all their lessons.

We get 30 minutes for lunch. But I have to walk to the cafeteria and stand in line to get food. By the time that’s done, I usually have only 15 minutes to eat! I often throw away some of my lunch because I run out of time.

Lunch period also isn’t long enough for kids to hang out with friends. It would be nice to have more time to relax and not worry about schoolwork.

What does your class think?

Should lunchtime be longer?

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Should lunchtime be longer?

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