China Introduces New Measures to Reduce School-Related Stress
China’s Ministry of Education has announced a comprehensive reform package aimed at strengthening the mental well-being of primary and secondary school pupils and easing the growing pressure associated with academic performance. The new policy outlines measures to reduce screen time, ease exam-related stress, and create a more supportive environment both at school and at home.
The reforms cover ten key areas and focus on the main factors affecting young people’s psychological well-being. Schools have been instructed to strictly limit the volume of written homework, avoid repetitive or punitive assignments, and consider introducing a weekly “homework-free day”. The frequency and difficulty of examinations will be reduced, and ranking pupils based on test scores will be entirely prohibited.
Under the new measures, all pupils will be required to engage in at least two hours of physical activity each day. Schools have also been advised to adjust their timetables to ensure children can get sufficient sleep. Additional support programmes for vulnerable student groups, regular home visits, and the establishment of a national mental health monitoring and early-warning system form part of the reform package.
Furthermore, schools will be required to employ a full-time mental health professional and provide regular training for teachers, in an effort to strengthen pastoral care and early intervention.