Chinese law to curb homework, tuition pressure on children

Hyderabad China has passed a law that enables reduction in the pressures of homework and after school hours tutoring in core subjects, according to the official news agency Xinhua.

Beijing has implemented some stern measures such as, controlling the mobile games addiction of youngsters, supposed to be a form of 'spiritual opium', to clamping down on 'blind' worship of internet celebrities.

Chinese parliament said recently that it would consider legislation to punish parents if their young children exhibit 'very bad behaviour' or commit crimes.

The new law, which has not been published in full, makes local governments responsible for ensuring that the twin pressures are reduced and asks parents to arrange their children's time to account for reasonable rest and exercise, thereby reducing pressure, said the agency, and avoiding overuse of the internet.

Recently, the education ministry has limited gaming hours for minors, allowing them to play online for one hour on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.

It has also cut back on homework and banned after-school tutoring for major subjects during the weekend and holidays, concerned about the heavy academic burden on overwhelmed children.