Clear rules exist for sleep, homework, sports, and rankings; if schools fail to comply, parents can raise the issue

10. Clear rules exist for sleep, homework, sports, and rankings; if schools fail to comply, parents can raise the issue

Cost: No cost involved. All you need is to know these rules so you can bring them up with the school or local education authorities when necessary. The real challenge is simply speaking up about it.

In plain terms: These rules are all laid out in writing: elementary students must get 10 hours of sleep per day, junior high students 9 hours, and high school students 8 hours. Elementary classes generally start no earlier than 8:20 a.m., and junior high classes no earlier than 8:00 a.m. In 2025, an additional requirement was added that schools must provide at least 2 hours of combined physical activity per day, and students must not be ranked based on test scores. If your child consistently fails to get enough sleep, use these rules as a reference point rather than blaming the child for being slow to get ready.

Benefit: The *Notice on Further Strengthening Sleep Management for Primary and Secondary School Students* stipulates that elementary students must get 10 hours of sleep daily, junior high students 9 hours, and high school students 8 hours. Elementary classes generally start no earlier than 8:20 a.m., and junior high classes no earlier than 8:00 a.m. Schools are prohibited from requiring students to arrive at school early for mandatory educational activities. Elementary students must go to bed no later than 9:20 p.m., junior high students no later than 10:00 p.m., and high school students no later than 11:00 p.m. After-school tutoring programs must end no later than 8:30 p.m., and online live tutoring sessions must end no later than 9:00 p.m. From 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the next day, game services for minors are banned nationwide (issued March 2021). The *Ten Measures for Further Strengthening Mental Health Work Among Primary and Secondary School Students* contains several additional provisions. All schools are required to ensure students get at least 2 hours of combined physical activity per day, and the practice of offering 15-minute recess periods is encouraged. Students must not be ranked based on test scores, and repetitive, punitive homework assignments are strictly prohibited. A nationwide initiative launched in October 2025 encourages schools to designate one day per week as a “homework-free day.”

Evidence grade: B

Sources: Ministry of Education of China (2021). Notice on further strengthening sleep management of primary and secondary school students (Jiaoji Department Letter [2021] No. 11). <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-04/02/content_5597443.htm>; Ministry of Education of China (2025). Ten measures to further strengthen the mental health of primary and secondary school students (Jiaoji Department [2025] No. 2). <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202510/content_7045528.htm>

Notes: Both documents were issued by relevant education authorities. Implementation varies widely across different regions and schools, which is why this item is rated B. Their main purpose is to help parents understand what schools are obligated to provide, so they have solid grounds to bring these issues up when needed. Information on adult sleep needs can be found in Sections 2 and 3.