A ranking congresswoman has suggested that schools with only one shift should start their classes at mid-morning, around 8am or 9am. This would give students from kindergarten to senior high school enough time to sleep and have breakfast.
Bohol Third District Representative Kristine Alexie B. Tutor stated that students need lots of sleep and waking up at 5am or 6am is not good for their physical development and mental health.
Tutor noted that stunted growth in school children is not just a matter of malnutrition and undernourishment, but also a matter of not having enough sleep.
Starting classes at 8am or 9am would also give time for students to have breakfast at school if they are unable to eat at home before going to school. Tutor does not see the need for a new law to make this change happen as it can be done administratively.
Starting classes mid-morning would also give teachers time to prepare. Ending classes at 3pm or 4pm enables teachers to attend to administrative tasks before going home.
Non-teaching personnel also need the prep time to ensure the school is clean, ready, and secure before classes start.
Tutor stressed that weekends should be free time with family for all students and teachers, except for occasional co-curricular activities. Co-curricular activities that are not integral to classes must not disrupt weekday classes.
This proposal aims to address the issue of insufficient sleep among students and improve their overall well-being.