Giving children detention during break time is a violation of their human rights, the British Psychological Society has said.

Schools should never threaten to take away a pupil’s break or lunch time as a punishment, the society’s educational and child psychology division.

Children learn to manage a range of emotions through playing such as frustration, determination, disappointment and confidence, the British Psychological Society said in a position paper on the issue.

Unstructured play is critical for children’s wellbeing and development, they explained, adding that it is also important for physical, emotional, social and intellectual development.

“We are concerned by the diminishing opportunities for play within the lives of children,” the society says in its position paper.

“We challenge the approach that prioritises outcomes of play, which adults see as important for children, over the process and enjoyment of playing. We advocate for a rights-based approach to children’s play.”

Dr Gavin Morgan, chair of the division, said that children have a “fundamental” right to play.

“The benefits of play for children, including older children, have been well documented by educational psychologists, and it is crucial that this part of their development isn’t taken away as a punishment for misbehaviour or to complete unfinished work,” he said.