Homework Curfew in Chinese Schools: A Double-Edged Reform
A school district in Suzhou, China implements a ‘homework suspension mechanism’ requiring students to stop homework at set times regardless of completion, aiming to ensure adequate sleep and protect students' wellbeing.
The recent educational reform in Suzhou Industrial Park District, China has sparked widespread discussion about student workload and wellbeing. Under this new policy, elementary school students must stop homework by 9:20 PM, middle school students by 10:00 PM, and high school students by 11:00 PM, regardless of completion status.
This initiative reflects growing concerns about student health and academic pressure in China’s education system. School administrators emphasize that unfinished homework need not be completed the next day, with teachers expected to adjust their teaching methods accordingly. The policy aims to protect students' interest in learning and prevent burnout from excessive workload.
The reform joins similar experiments across China. Changzhou implemented a comparable policy in 2023, setting a 9:00 PM cutoff for elementary students. In 2021, Fuyang Qinghe Elementary School in Anhui Province pioneered a “timeout system” requiring students to stop homework after 60 minutes regardless of completion.
While the policy’s primary goal of ensuring adequate sleep is laudable, its implementation faces several challenges. Some students may deliberately procrastinate, knowing they can use the curfew as an excuse for incomplete work. Others might selectively complete only easier assignments, leaving more challenging tasks unfinished.
The success of this reform largely depends on teacher cooperation in assigning reasonable homework loads and parental support in maintaining productive study schedules. Some educators argue that rather than imposing strict cutoff times, schools should focus on improving homework efficiency and quality.
The policy also highlights broader issues in China’s education system, including the need to balance academic achievement with student wellbeing. Critics point out that without addressing the underlying causes of excessive homework - including large class sizes and exam-oriented teaching - such measures may only treat symptoms rather than root causes.
Proponents argue that by prioritizing students' rest and health, the policy could lead to more sustainable learning practices. They suggest that well-rested students may actually perform better academically, even with slightly reduced homework completion.
The reform represents a significant shift in Chinese education philosophy, moving away from the traditional emphasis on quantity of study time toward a more balanced approach prioritizing efficiency and student wellbeing. Its outcomes may influence similar policies across China’s education system.