Delaying school start times: Small but necessary

In the context of the education sector moving towards a happy school model, adjusting school hours during the day, especially morning school hours, has received much attention from students and parents in recent days.

The Ministry of Education and Training has issued guidelines for organizing 2 sessions/day for general education in the 2025-2026 school year. Accordingly, primary schools will still teach 2 sessions/day as required in many years; while secondary and high schools are encouraged to teach 2 sessions/day in qualified schools, with a minimum study schedule of 5 days/week; maximum of 11 sessions/week, with no more than 7 lessons per day, each lesson lasting 45 minutes.

In this context, parents are asking whether school hours should be delayed for schools that teach two sessions a day, so that students have more time for breakfast and rest.

Ahead of the new school year 2025-2026, many secondary and high schools in Ho Chi Minh City have announced new school hours. For schools that are currently teaching 2 sessions/day, delaying the morning school hours is a practical solution to improve educational effectiveness and take care of students' physical and mental health.

Many studies show that children and adolescents need a full night's sleep for comprehensive development. However, with school starting time too early (like in the past, high schools often started the first period before 7am), many students who live far from school have to wake up sometimes from 5am. This is not suitable for the biological rhythm of school-age children who are in the stage of physical and psychological development and need enough sleep. Over time, this will affect the ability to concentrate and the mood of students in studying.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training's guidelines, teaching is done in 2 sessions/day, with no more than 7 periods per day. Delaying the first period later than before does not reduce the study time but helps students have more time to rest, have a good breakfast and come to school with a refreshed spirit. Students learn better, are happier and feel less pressured and stressed.

Parents will have more time in the morning to prepare their children for school, and will also have less trouble picking up and dropping off their children too early. This is especially meaningful for families who live far from school or have children in multiple grades.

The criteria for a happy school are not only a place to teach knowledge but also a friendly environment that cares about the physical and mental health of students. A happy school is a place where students feel safe, loved and respected. Delaying school start times is not simply a change in the timetable, but a concrete expression of listening and understanding the development needs of students. It is also a way for teachers to reduce pressure and start the new day with students with positive energy.

Instead of racing against time, let’s create conditions for students to develop in a humane, flexible and happy environment. Adjusting school hours, though small, is a big step on the journey to building a student-centered education.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lui-gio-vao-hoc-nho-nhung-can-thiet-185250818234401402.htm