Sun Ruifeng, a mother in Beijing, changed some of her plans for her 8-year-old son's summer vacation. She looked for an English course, but in the end, she changed it to a swimming training class.
Sun's choice is the result of the government's action to lighten pressure on young students.
On July 24, 2021, the government announced its decisions: reducing(减少) homework and off- school training. Its Chinese name is shuangjian(双减). For example, homework for children below the third grade is not allowed while homework for junior high school students should take no longer than 90 minutes to finish. It also requires no courses should be taught on weekends, on national holidays or during winter and summer vacations.
Many parents showed their support for it. "Subject learning is enough at school and we hope to improve the children's life quality(质量) during holidays," said Chen Xun, a father. The government also asks schools to offer after - school services. For example, it includes sports, art, reading or interest groups.
However, there are also some worries from other parents. They say serious competition is still there.
Now, nine cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Guangzhou have been chosen to act. It will be in all the cities in the future.
