Long schooling hours have been a topic of debate regarding their impact on school children. While extended hours might offer more time for academic instruction and extracurricular activities, they are not necessarily beneficial and can have several downsides.

Mrs. Florida Lawrence, Principal, Mohamed Sathak Matriculation Higher Secondary School, says "Children's ideal school hours should not be more than 5 to 5.5 hours daily. It should be structured into 8 periods of 40 minutes each, with a focus on effective engagement and joy in learning".

Potential Drawbacks of Long School Hours:
Burnout and Fatigue: Prolonged hours can lead to physical and mental fatigue, reducing students' ability to focus and retain information. This can result in diminished academic performance and overall well-being.

Reduced Time for Rest and Play: Children need time outside of school for rest, play, and socialization. These activities are essential for healthy development, including cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

Decreased Family Interaction: Extended school hours can limit the time children spend with their families, which is crucial for their emotional support and bonding.

Increased Stress: The pressure of long hours, especially with homework and extracurricular activities, can lead to stress and anxiety, negatively affecting children's mental health.

Mr. Augustin Anbananthan, Academic Advisor and Former Principal at an International Residential School, criticizes the extension of school hours beyond the original six, arguing that learning isn't proportional to time spent. He also opposes stretching the five-day week to seven, calling it a result of greed. Comparing the situation to a river, he suggests that a steady flow is beneficial, while sudden floods, though appearing abundant, are more dangerous than helpful.

Ideal Schooling Hours:
Balanced Schedule: Research suggests that a school day of about 5-6 hours is optimal for children. This allows sufficient time for core academic subjects while leaving room for physical education, arts, and recess.

Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: It's important that the time spent in school is productive and engaging. Interactive and varied teaching methods can make learning more effective in shorter periods.

Flexibility: Some education systems have experimented with flexible hours or four-day weeks, giving children more time to rest and pursue personal interests, which can improve their overall learning experience.

Prof. Rita John, Resource Person for Department of School Education, Tamil Nadu as well as UGC and Fulbright Visiting Professor, says " Proposed school hours are 8:30 or 9 AM to 1:30 or 2 PM, with breaks for lunch and stretching. Education should prioritize engaging, experiential learning that aligns with children's growth and interests, moving beyond rote content. Holistic education fosters curiosity through hands-on activities, while excessive school hours can stifle originality".

Conclusion:
The key is not just the number of hours but how effectively the time is utilized. A balanced approach that considers academic needs, physical and mental health, and time for extracurricular activities and family interaction is most beneficial for school children.