Shorter school hours needs to be examined thoroughly

A simple reduction in school hours for children in the UAE, as proposed by the Federal National Council and under review, is based on the postulates that shorter hours will mean less tired children, prevent them from going to school in the heat, improve their eating habits and help them bond with their families better. While these considerations perhaps hold merit, it is equally arguable that allowing children more leisure time could dovetail into the ever-present concern of technology and its distracting influence. The correlation between children’s positive habits and longer summer breaks is not as linear as it seems. Allowing them more hours and days outside the discipline of the school system in a year can arguably exacerbate these problems.

The paramount issue, however, is successful syllabus completion, which is key to scholastic progress. Currently, the UAE has 180 school days per year, an international average, considered just about sufficient for syllabus completion. Therefore, the broad-band impact of shorter school days needs to be thoroughly examined. It is also imperative to consider the views of parents and school administrators, who can place the issue of shorter school days and its benefits in its proper context.