Schools sceptical of later hours for children, say “problem lies elsewhere”

Some experts say the problem is not the pressure on students that leads to less sleep but the emerging lifestyle.

The Maharashtra government's recent proposal to open schools only by 9 am for classes up to 2 is yet to get an official stamp. However, schools in the rest of the country are growing sceptical whether this will become a pan-India feature.

Maharashtra mooted this idea in December 2023. Right now, classes for these children start at 7 am in the state. The current school timings across Indian states vary from 7 am to 8:30 am.

The state's argument is that this will help children get proper sleep. However, It is raising concerns over how it aligns with parents' work schedules and existing school routines.

ALSO READ | As tech transforms jobs, Indian schools train students for work in 2030

“Commencing school timings at 9 am for children up to class 2 is not advisable. As a school principal, I feel an optimal timeframe would be between 7:30-8 am. children need to cultivate the practice of sleeping early, as mornings offer exposure to early sunlight, facilitating the absorption of Vitamin D,” Shikha Banerjee, Principal of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Kanpur, told Moneycontrol.

Banerjee asserted that altering school timings is not a viable solution to ensure proper sleep for young children. Instead, the focus should be on counselling young parents about the advantages of rising early and encouraging this habit in both children and parents, she said.

‘Problem lies elsewhere’

While the move is receiving positive feedback from experts in child development, some educators and parents express concerns about the practicality and potential challenges it may pose.

Critics argue that change in school timings could disrupt family schedules and create logistical issues for working parents.

“India has vast geographical diversity. The eastern states have very early daybreak, while certain states suffer harsh winters or hot summers. States with hot weather conditions or early daybreak might not favour this idea,” said Bidyunmala Salunke, Principal of Orchids The International School, Vashi branch, Mumbai.

ALSO READ | Schools welcome ‘Bharat’ in textbooks, await NCERT directives

Some experts say the problem is not the pressure on students that leads to less sleep but the emerging lifestyle.

“Children up to class 2 spend a lot of time online and parents take too much pride in that. The quantum of screen time has increased considerably affecting the health of the children and a disturbed sleep pattern. I am of the view that we need to rewire our lifestyles to attune children to improving the health standards of the children,” said Anshu Saxena, Principal - Ryan International School, Dombivli, Mumbai.

Instead, she suggested the schools can offer nap time to the students.