Srinagar, Jul 07 (KNO): As a severe heatwave sweeps across the valley, the recent decision to reopen schools with a 7:30 AM reporting time and to conduct both offline and online classes has ignited widespread concern among parents, students, and health professionals. Critics say this abrupt change is causing distress among children, disrupting sleep patterns, affecting mental well-being, and complicating family routines.
“Sudden changes in any environment, especially for children, can lead to stress and anxiety,” Dr Mohd Abrar Guroo, a Consultant Psychiatrist, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “This may manifest as irritability, lethargy, poor concentration, anger, and tantrums.”
He said sleep is vital for children’s emotional regulation, memory, attention span, and overall mental health. “Early wake-up times may lead to chronic sleep deprivation, particularly in adolescents who tend to sleep later naturally. This can result in decreased academic focus, mood swings, and potential long-term mental health issues,” Dr Guroo warned.
Supporting this view, Dr Bilal Najar, Assistant Professor of Paediatrics at GMC Anantnag, highlighted the importance of age-specific sleep requirements:
Recommended Sleep Duration (per 24 hours):
- Toddlers (1–2 years): 11–14 hours (including naps)
- Pre-schoolers (3–5 years): 10–13 hours
- Grade-schoolers (6–12 years): 9–11 hours
- Teens (13–18 years): 8–10 hours
“Adequate sleep is crucial for proper behaviour, learning, and health. Insufficient rest can lead to attention problems, learning difficulties, and even accidents,” he said.
Dr Showkat Teeli, Head of Paediatrics at GMC Anantnag, said, “While the decision might have been made after administrative assessment, a one-week extension could have prevented unnecessary stress. Adjusting to new routines takes time, weeks rather than days. Such sudden shifts may cause mental strain for children and parents alike.”
He suggested that “online classes for higher grades and a temporary break extension for lower grades could have been alternative options.” Dr Teli also noted a positive aspect: “This decision encourages children to adapt to challenging circumstances and inculcate response skills, an important life lesson.”
Parents across the region are voicing concerns about the combined schedule of early school hours followed by online classes shortly after school ends.
“For example, a child travelling from Dargah to DPS Athwajan must wake up by 5:30 AM to be ready by 6 AM. School ends at 11:30 AM, but online classes start at 12:30 PM. Due to traffic, many children might not reach home in time,” said Farooq Ahmad, a parent from Srinagar.
“Where is the time for lunch, rest, or mental preparation for the next class? It’s an added burden on children’s mental health,” expressed another parent from Anantnag.
In hilly and remote areas, long commutes make managing the one-hour gap between offline and online classes nearly impossible.
Many parents also highlighted socio-economic challenges. “Approximately 40% of households live below the poverty line. Often, there is only one phone per household, usually with the parents who are at work. How will children attend online classes in such situations?” questioned Shazia Bano, a mother of two.
She added, "The lack of household assistance was raised as a concern. “In many families, both parents are government employees. If the phone is with them, who helps the children with online classes?”
Experts and parents are calling for a more flexible, empathetic, and phased approach to school reopening, particularly under extreme weather conditions.
“Before 2019, schools remained closed for months during hartals and shutdowns, yet academic sessions were managed effectively. Why the rush now?” questioned a teacher from Pulwama.
Dr Guroo called for holistic planning and public support, suggesting measures such as adjusting bedtimes, reducing screen time at night, and structuring mornings to help families adapt. “Schools should communicate openly with parents and ease the pressure,” he said.
A parent expressed frustration on social media: “This announcement feels more like punishment than policy. The system seems disconnected from ground realities, following the interests of private schools. This decision disrupts the lives of almost every family with students.”
Another parent said, “Forcing children to wake up at 6 AM, rush to school, and then jump into online classes is exhausting and harmful. It makes learning feel like a punishment.”
Concerns about infrastructure were also raised. “There’s no adequate digital infrastructure in place. Imposing online classes without considering that many families lack internet, laptops, or electricity is inhumane. The one-hour break is hardly enough for travel and lunch, let alone focused learning,” said a critic.
Some critics accused the system of moving towards commercialisation of education: “Public education is being corporatised, treating students as fee-paying clients rather than learners. Decisions like this reveal a disconnect from children’s well-being and a tendency towards authoritarianism.”
A parent on social media said the plan of two online classes after just a one-hour break is deeply flawed. "Many students will have to rush home in the heat to log in again. Rural students and those with long commutes will suffer even more. Please reconsider this policy,” the parent urged—(KNO)