NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Recess may look like downtime, but pediatricians say cutting it could cost kids far more than a few minutes on the playground. The American Academy of Pediatrics released updated guidance for the first time in more than a decade that urges schools to protect recess, highlighting that the unstructured break delivers major benefits for kids' health , learning and behavior. "It has a very powerful benefit if it’s used to the fullest," said Dr. Robert Murray, a lead author of the new guidance, which was published Monday in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers say recess helps students reset between lessons, improving focus and memory. It also gives kids time to build social skills, boost confidence and stay physically active, a key factor as 1 in 5 U.S. children and teens struggle with obesity. THIS SIMPLE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY CAN IMPROVE AMERICANS' HEALTH, SAYS GOVERNOR Students play ball during recess at St. Agnes Elementary School in Phoenix, Ariz., on March 3, 2020.…