Beijing Passes Law To Limit Homework For Children

The nation's top legislative body has approved a draft law that will reduce the amount of homework mainland children have to complete as part of a push for family-friendly education policies.

The National People's Congress Standing Committee approved a law on family education promotion on Saturday, the last day of its latest session.

Details have not been published, but the official Xinhua News Agency reports that local governments will have to take steps to reduce the burden of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring in compulsory education.

The law also bans parents from, as Xinhua puts it, placing an excessive academic burden on their children. It says guardians of minor children should organise appropriate time for study, rest, recreation and exercise.

They're also expected to help stop children becoming addicted to the internet.

Xinhua didn't give details on how the law would be enforced or what penalties there would be for non-compliance.

Beijing had earlier announced a move to limit tutoring beyond the classroom. It's also moved to limit the amount of time children can spend playing video games, with one hour of gaming allowed every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.