More sleep, less screen time as China aims to reduce student stress

12/11/2025 16:11

Chinese authorities have announced measures to improve the mental health of primary and secondary school students by reducing academic pressure, cutting screen time and mandating two hours of physical exercise daily.



The initiatives announced last month by the Ministry of Education include a classroom ban on mobile phones and a period of "screen-free" time to reduce excessive reliance on the internet.



Schools must "strictly control" the total amount of homework and offer "at least" two hours of physical activity for primary and secondary students every school day.



Schools are also encouraged to "ensure students get enough sleep" by arranging arrival and dismissal times in a "reasonable" manner and allowing for adequate lunch breaks.



The measures were intended to help students cope with stress and anxiety, particularly around exams.



Heavy homework loads are common in schools across China, leading to a lack of sleep and increased anxiety and depression.



In a separate notice also released in October, the Education Ministry said it was reducing workloads for teachers by limiting their out-of-school duties and preventing them from working on holidays and weekends.