Amid heatwave, early school timings, dual mode classes spark children’s mental health concerns

Parents, experts, express worries over disrupted sleep, stress, infrastructural challenges

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)

No Need to Extend Summer Break, Temperatures Very Likely to Ease from Tomorrow: Weather Expert

Amid growing public curiosity over possible extension of the summer break in schools due to the ongoing heatwave, weather experts have forecast a significant drop in temperatures across Kashmir starting Monday, providing much-needed relief from the scorching heat.

Independent weather forecaster Kashmir Weather’s Faizan Arif as per news agency JKNS said , there is “100% certainty” that temperatures will begin to decrease gradually and stay within comfortable range for at least a week. “Some days may even see below-normal temperatures,” it stated.

Humidity, however, is expected to persist until the monsoon season ends, likely around August or September, he said.

The weather forecaster strongly opined that there is no justification for extending the school summer break any further. “Forecast models are highly confident and in strong agreement that temperatures will ease,” it said, adding that “we can’t expect July to behave like April or October now,” Faizan said.

It also clarified that temperatures around 31–32°C are considered normal for July in the region and not extreme enough to warrant school closures. (JKNS)

No Decision Yet on Vacation Extension, Final Decision Tomorrow After Assessing Weather Conditions: Official

Srinagar, July 6 (JKNS): Amid rising temperatures, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is monitoring weather conditions and is likely to decide any decision on the school vacation extension on Monday after assessing weather conditions.

A senior government official told news agency JKNS that no final decision has been taken yet, adding that weather forecasts indicate a strong possibility of rainfall beginning tonight, tomorrow and also day after tomorrow, which is most likely to bring temperatures down.

“As far as the weather forecast is concerned, we have reports suggesting there are very high chances of rain tonight, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow,” the official said adding it is a positive sign.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. A final decision regarding any vacation extension will be taken tomorrow after assessing the actual weather conditions,” he added.

Currently, summer vacations in government and private schools across the Kashmir division are scheduled to conclude Monday July 7, with schools set to reopen on July 8 Tuesday.

The statement comes amid growing demand from students, parents, and teachers for the extension of the break, citing severe heat and high overnight temperatures. The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has already proposed adjusting school timings instead of extending holidays further.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted moderate to heavy showers at many places across Jammu and Kashmir from July 6 to 8, potentially offering some relief from the persistent heatwave. (JKNS)

“Mam, Chutti Aur Karo Na Please”: Young Boy’s Plea to Education Minister Sakina Itoo in Function

Minister Says Decision on Vacations to be Taken Tomorrow

Srinagar, July 5 (JKNS): In a heartwarming moment during a Muharram function in Srinagar, a young boy was seen hugging Education Minister Sakina Itoo and pleading, “Mam, aur chutti karo na please” a request for an extension in the ongoing summer vacation amid the intense heatwave gripping the Kashmir Valley.

The emotional appeal, caught on camera, quickly resonated across social media platforms, capturing the public sentiment shared by students and parents alike.

Speaking to media persons after the event, Education Minister Sakina Itoo, as per news agency JKNS, acknowledged the rising concerns. “We receive calls daily from students, parents, and even teachers about the current heat conditions and requests for an extension of vacations,” she said.

“Yes, the weather is extremely hot. We are also hoping for some rainfall soon. A decision on the possibility of extending the break will be reviewed tomorrow (Sunday),” the minister added.

As the Valley continues to endure unusually high temperatures, thousands of families are eagerly waiting for an official update on whether the summer break will be extended in schools. (JKNS)