In the hustle and bustle of urban life, the lives of many school-going children in metro cities have become as demanding as those of working professionals. With school hours extending beyond 10 hours a day, children like 11-year-old Rhea find themselves waking up early and going to bed late, with little time for play or relaxation. As schools try to keep pace with academic demands, extracurricular activities, and working parents' convenience, the impact on children’s emotional well-being is raising concerns.

For working parents, longer school hours may offer peace of mind, knowing their children are in a secure and well-structured environment. However, stay-at-home parents or those deeply involved in their children's lives see a different side. They argue that children are being treated like machines, overloaded with homework, tuition, and schoolwork, leaving no time for the vital activities that nurture imagination and emotional growth, such as free play and daydreaming.

The difference between childhood in the 1990s and today is stark. In the past, school hours were shorter, and children had the luxury of unstructured play, afternoon naps, and time with family. Paediatric psychologist Dr. Vandana Sood emphasizes that the rest children once enjoyed was biologically important for emotional regulation and learning. Today’s fast-paced schedule denies children this crucial downtime, which may lead to burnout and social anxiety.

Teachers and counselors are increasingly reporting emotional struggles among children, with many showing signs of anxiety, irritability, and social withdrawal. Although schools defend their extended hours, arguing that it allows for a more "holistic" education with activities like robotics and yoga, the concern remains that this rigid schedule is stripping children of their childhood experiences.

It is essential to balance academic rigor with the need for downtime, play, and creativity. As parents, educators, and policymakers weigh the issue, it’s time to reconsider the balance between education and childhood. Are we truly raising well-rounded, emotionally resilient children, or are we pushing them to conform to adult-like schedules too soon? It may be time to let childhood bloom outside the confines of the classroom, in spaces where imagination and play reign.