Balancing Education and Well-Being

As the conversation around improving education outcomes in South Africa gains momentum, an increasing number of schools are opting for extended hours to cover additional content, provide remediation, or boost academic performance. While these intentions are laudable, they often come with unintended consequences for the mental health of children and teenagers.

At Hold My Hand, we advocate for a holistic approach to child and adolescent development—one that values identity, agency, and overall well-being as much as academic success. Extended school hours, while beneficial in some contexts, risk tipping the scales away from this much-needed balance.

The Mental Health Impact

Long school days leave little room for rest, play, and other critical activities that nurture a child’s mental health and sense of identity. Studies reveal that prolonged stress and lack of downtime can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout among learners. This is particularly concerning in a country like South Africa, where many children already grapple with systemic challenges like poverty, violence, and food insecurity.

Moreover, teenagers—whose brains are still developing—require adequate sleep and opportunities for self-expression. Over-scheduled school routines often deprive them of these essentials, exacerbating feelings of fatigue and disengagement.

A Holistic View

Children and adolescents are more than just students; they are individuals with unique talents, dreams, and needs. Overemphasis on academic output can erode their sense of identity, leaving little room for self-discovery, creativity, and the cultivation of personal agency.

By prioritising extended hours as a catch-all solution for education deficits, we risk creating a generation of young people who are overworked, under-motivated, and disconnected from their own potential. Without time to engage in play, or build meaningful relationships, children lose the opportunities to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a sense of belonging—all of which are crucial for thriving in adulthood.

The Need for Balance

Instead of focusing solely on extending instructional time, education systems should aim for a balanced approach that fosters both learning and well-being. This includes:

• Promoting play and creativity: Creating space for children to engage in unstructured play, arts, and sports fosters emotional well-being and enhances critical thinking.
• Championing mental health: Schools should integrate mental health education into the curriculum and provide accessible support systems for learners.
• Empowering learners: By involving students in decision-making and creating opportunities for their voices to be heard, schools can nurture their sense of agency and self-worth.
• Partnering with parents: Encouraging family involvement in education ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom, striking a healthier balance between study and life.

Moving Forward

At Hold My Hand, we believe that children and adolescents are central to South Africa’s future, and their well-being must guide all interventions aimed at improving their lives. Instead of prioritising extended school hours as a quick fix, let’s focus on creating environments that empower young people to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and academically.

By fostering balance, we can unlock the potential of every child, ensuring that no one’s identity or agency is compromised in the pursuit of academic success.