Reducing the pressures of excessive homework and intensive after-school tutoring is the aim of a new education law in China, according to the BBC.
The new law was passed by China’s legislative body, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, on Saturday.
According to the BBC, while full details of the law have yet to be published, media reports suggest that it encourages parents to nurture their children’s morals, intellectual development and social habits.
Chinese state media say that parents are being asked to ensure their children have reasonable time for rest and exercise, and do not spend too much time online.
In August China banned written exams for six and seven year olds. The BBC says officials warned at the time that students’ physical and mental health was being harmed.
The new law follows a number of measures over the past year aimed at moderating children’s ‘addiction’ to the internet and popular culture.