Take a walk: Maine school trades detention for fresh air and exercise
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A high school in Maine is eliminating detentions in favor of disciplinary increases.
As part of its “detention surge” program, Morse Middle School in Bath, Maine, is offering students the option of going for a walk instead of sitting in a classroom as punishment.
The idea was sparked by school counselor Leslie Trundy last year, who is an avid hiker, according to a Washington Post report.
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At first, the concept raised doubts from students who thought hiking the nearby trails might be “boring,” sophomore Alexander Soto told the publication.
But the students reportedly quickly liked the alternative, enjoying the fresh air, wildlife and conversation with others. They also noticed that the experience improved their mood.
Morse High School in Bath, Maine, has reinstated “detention surges” for a second year. (Actual students are not pictured.) (iStock)
“In the end, people seem really different in a good way,” Trundy told the Washington Post. “The kids even expressed it to me. They said, ‘That was really awesome, thank you.’ … Even if they don’t talk about it as much, I can tell they’re in a better place.”
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The walks reportedly span approximately three miles. The students stop to take a break near a stream with refreshments provided by Trundy, who also brings a poem about “starting over.”
One student, Elsie Nelson-Walling, told the Washington Post that she attended five detention increases after getting in trouble for skipping class while “struggling to sit still in a classroom.”
Students have reported that they choose to take walks even when they are not in trouble. (iStock)
The junior reported that after completing the walks, she felt more involved in school and volunteered to go on more walks, even though she was not in trouble.
Fellow student Soto added that the “rush” he would feel after breaking the rules was replaced by a new perspective and relaxation when walking.
Health benefits of walking outdoors
Beyond burning calories, recent research has supported the benefits of walking for improving brain health.
A new study from Mass General Brigham found that even short walks could slow brain changes that lead to Alzheimer’s.
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In an interview with News Digital, psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, founder of Amen Clinics in California, shared that walking induces blood flow to the brain.
Amen suggests “walking like you’re late,” which might mean 30 minutes alternating between three minutes of regular walking and three minutes of brisk walking. This concept has also been called “Japanese walking.”
According to experts, walking induces blood flow to the brain and can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. (iStock)
“Do this five times for 30 minutes and you will increase blood flow to your brain,” he said.
Exposure to sunlight and fresh air has also been shown to boost the immune system and support overall health, according to Dr. Roger Seheult, a critical care physician, pulmonologist and associate clinical professor at the University of California and Loma Linda University schools of medicine.
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In a previous interview with News Digital, Seheult referenced research from Japan that looked at “aromatic compounds” given off by trees, called phytoncides, which may have healing benefits for the body.
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“If you live in Manhattan [and] “If you went to Central Park once a week, studies show that these substances given off by trees can impact your innate immune system for up to seven days,” he said.
In addition to regulating sleep and improving mood, certain spectrums of sunlight can have “dramatic effects” on the body’s metabolism, research has shown.
‘Respectful’ discipline
Recently, an Oregon family went viral for physically disciplining their son after one boy snapped at his mother.
Although the approach received mixed reviews from the public, parents shared with News Digital that using physical activity as punishment teaches “emotional regulation” and offers a healthy outlet when a child feels overwhelmed.
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Educational psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Michele Borba reacted to the viral moment and noted that discipline is not one-size-fits-all.
It is important that discipline is administered responsibly and respectfully, said one parenting expert. (iStock)
In a previous interview with News Digital, the California-based expert highlighted that discipline should always be age-appropriate and tailored to the child, as forcing a child to do strenuous exercise that they are not comfortable with would be considered inappropriate.
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It is important that discipline is imparted in a responsible and respectful manner, Borba added.
News Digital has reached out to Morse High School and Leslie Trundy for comment.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for News Digital.