Zhejiang mulls rules to give kids a break from homework

The central government's "academic burden reduction" policies have reentered the public debate recently with Zhejiang province introducing a draft guideline allowing primary and middle school students to go to bed at a decent hour even if their homework isn't finished.

Fourteen departments in Zhejiang recently introduced the guideline, which allows primary school students to leave their homework unfinished after 9 pm, and middle school students at 10 pm, with parents' approval.

The guideline contains 33 detailed measures aimed at schools, after-school training institutions, parents and education authorities to help reduce students' academic burden.