TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Education rejected a public petition to move junior and senior high school start times to 10 a.m. and shorten the day, saying it would reduce time for core competencies and the curriculum.
The petition, submitted on the Public Policy Online Participation Platform, proposed shifting school hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., per UDN. The proposal suggested that schools should remove non-essential elective courses and shorten class hours.
After gathering over 10,000 signatures in September, the ministry responded on Thursday. It pointed out that delaying high school classes to 10 a.m. would cut two morning periods per day, totaling 10 sessions per week.
It argued that this reduction could prevent students from completing the required content, developing basic competencies, and having adequate time for recess. A similar delay for junior high schools would also conflict with the current curriculum schedule.
The ministry noted that the proposal sparked debate with sharply divided opinions.
In consultation meetings, representatives emphasized that curriculum adjustments are a major undertaking affecting parents’ work schedules, teacher workload, and other factors. The ministry said such changes should not be implemented hastily.
The petition argued that shorter school hours could improve sleep and reduce depression, self-harm, and suicide risk. The ministry said mechanisms already exist to support rest, sleep, physical and mental health.
