Lunch period serves as a key moment for high school students worldwide. For those who skip breakfast due to waking up late, it becomes an opportunity to provide their bodies with the necessary fuel to face the rest of the day. Others perceive it as a rejuvenating break from academic stress and the expectations imposed by teachers. Additionally, it serves as a moment to socialize and interact with friends and acquaintances. Granting students the chance to leave the school premises during lunch enables them to fully savor their meals, alleviate school-related pressures, and engage in meaningful companionship with peers. One advantage of dining outside of campus lies in the fact that the experience is more pleasant compared to eating in the uninspiring school cafeteria. Although some argue that driving off-campus and waiting in a drive-thru may be time-consuming.
Considering the amount of time students spend waiting in the school cafeteria line for their fellow learners to make a decision while engrossed in their smartphones, it becomes evident that the opposite is true. Drive-thru windows offer efficient food service to customers on the go. Additionally, there are a larger variety of food options outside of the school premises. Students have the opportunity to choose from Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and Greek cuisines, among others, when venturing “abroad” for lunch. Thus, eating off campus provides a much more rewarding experience compared to eating at school. A change in one’s environment often benefits their mental well-being.
Leaving school for lunch offers a change in scenery, which is advantageous. Most high schools start at 8:00 in the morning, so by the time lunch period arrives, students have already been at school for several hours. This prolonged time in the institution can lead to mental fatigue. Thus, a change of scenery becomes crucial. While some argue that staying at school keeps students in the “learning mode,” it is more reasonable to claim that leaving allows them to refocus and reset their minds. Moreover, going off campus exposes students to natural surroundings such as trees, streams, mountains, and beaches. These environments provide a relaxing and unwinding effect, positively impacting students’ mental health. Fellowship experiences are also enhanced when students leave school property for lunch. Developing social skills is vital for students’ journey into adulthood, and leaving the campus simulates adult situations. When students dine out during lunch, they often go in small groups of three or four people. This small group setting fosters intimacy and encourages deeper personal connections.
Some argue that larger groups are beneficial for developing social skills, but successful teams typically consist of only a few individuals. For instance, firefighting crews, Marine Corps fire teams, and police SWAT teams usually have four members. These teams achieve impressive success because they are able to establish bonds and cultivate trust among themselves. Likewise, when students leave school in small groups of three or four, they build the same sense of trust and camaraderie. Ultimately, allowing high school students the opportunity to leave the school campus for lunch provides numerous benefits. Some of the most important advantages include fully enjoying their meal, enhancing their mental well-being, and fostering the development of their social skills.
