Amid the ongoing heatwave, the government’s decision to change school timings raises more questions than answers

Changes in school timings lead to daytime sleepiness and poor academic performance. Scorching heatwaves and extreme temperatures can severely affect our health. Heatwaves strain our bodies, so ignoring them is not an option. The effects on human health can be significant, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions. Heatwaves can cause heat exhaustion, dehydration, headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and more.
Studies indicate that insufficient sleep contributes to poor school performance and can impair memory and concentration, making learning difficult for students. The recent government decision to change school timings from June 24th has sparked mixed reactions among the general public. Many parents I’ve spoken to are annoyed with the decision, believing that the change in timings will yield little benefit, suggesting an extension of summer vacation might have been preferable.
Considering the prevailing heatwave and the change in timings, officials commuting from distant places may face considerable inconvenience arriving at school before 8 am, leading to contradictions. Most schools, ranging from primary to upper primary levels, lack sophisticated infrastructure to combat severe heat. The government should have devised a strategy that prioritizes children’s comfort. Many parents have chosen not to send their children to school, prioritizing their health over education. Since the end of summer break, there has been a surge in heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, dizziness, and extreme fatigue among young students.
The adjustment aims to mitigate the adverse effects of heatwaves on students, ensuring their safety and well-being. To alleviate the burden of early attendance, adjusting school hours from 9 am to 2 pm for primary to secondary levels would have been better. I’ve witnessed many students in my village rubbing their tired eyes before boarding school buses. Parents carrying school bags early in the morning present a peculiar sight. Insufficient sleep among school-going children seriously impacts their learning. Falling asleep in class makes learning impossible. Less noticeable but more problematic is the difficulty students face in concentrating and remembering what they read or hear when they don’t get 8-9 hours of sleep.
Teens need to wake up before dawn to reach school on time. Teens who sleep less are more likely to be overweight or obese. Hormonal changes caused by sleep deprivation make them tired and hungry. They exercise less and consume more sugary, caffeinated drinks, starting a cycle of weight gain, stress, and less sleep.
In summary, morning hours are crucial for both students and teachers. The atmosphere is conducive, devoid of noise and congestion. However, schools are inadequate in accommodating all necessary facilities amid scorching heatwaves. Those in charge should address these challenges; most schools face numerous hardships. There is a scarcity of portable water affecting almost every school, with schools working round the clock to provide potable water. The long dry spell has severely impacted wells and tap water systems. Think tanks should consider extending summer break instead of changing timings to resolve these serious issues.

The writer is a teacher

Qysar ul Islam Shah