Why China’s Tiger Mums (and dads) are resisting its ‘less homework’ policy
Authorities say youngsters are weighed down through excessive homework and extra classes amid intense competition among parents to help their children ‘get ahead’
“Dear Ministry of Education, please don’t reduce the schoolwork burden on our children.”
This is the title of an article that has been widely shared on Chinese social media in recent weeks after education authorities instructed primary and middle schools across the nation to reduce the pressure on pupils and regulate the out-of-school-hours tutoring market.
Since the order was issued late last month, parents in big cities have been discussing heatedly whether to let their children have a more relaxed and happy lifestyle as the education authorities advise, or give them large amounts of homework and send them to extra classes in their spare time to learn subjects such as English, mathematics and Chinese language.
In line with the authorities’ order, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, many junior high school headmasters have proposed that pupils should not have to complete their homework if they cannot finish it by 10pm.
Neighbouring Jiangsu province has also adjusted school start times for pupils, allowing youngsters to begin classes from 7.20 to 8am. Previously, school could start as early as 7am, Xinhua reported.
