Editor's note: Haider Rifaat is a features writer for OK! Pakistan, the international edition of OK! Magazine. He is also a writer for Arabian Moda and Flanelle magazine and serves as the creator and host of Pakistan's first web talk show – The Haider Rifaat Show. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The education landscape in China has evolved for the better over the course of a few decades. This year in particular saw rapid changes in the school system.

As students prepare for the fall semester, the Chinese Ministry of Education enacted a restriction, barring six- and seven-year-old students from taking paper-based exams. This measure aims to foster better mental and physical health of students.

"Exams are a necessary part of school education ... but some schools have problems like excessive exams, which cause excessive burden on students... this must be corrected," said the Ministry of Education in a statement.

The Ministry also prohibited homework for first graders this year, and restricted home assignments for junior high school students. 

It is refreshing to witness a government institution be so transparent and open with the public. This further highlights the proactive role of the Chinese government in revamping the education system and devising pathways to address roadblocks such as mental and physical health issues.

In a time of global crises, weekly school activities via Zoom tend to take a mental toll on youngsters, which holds true for every school functioning during COVID-19. Different from adults who are better off coping with their mental health issues, children are naïve. Their defense mechanisms are not as well developed as adults. Hence, they require parental support to reset mentally and physically.

If academic pressures keep mounting for students, will they be able to comprehend anything going forward? Taking this into consideration, the Chinese government's decision to prevent young students from taking paper exams appears to be a step in the right direction.

The decision not only works in the favor of students but their families as well. This opportunity gives children the chance to spend quality time with their parents and siblings. Productive indoor and outdoor activities can also facilitate their well-being. Additionally, it is important that parents make good use of the time to inspire children and boost their self-confidence. This serves as a learning curve for children, too.

Such tectonic shifts in China's education sector are part of a broader, evolving policy plan that would positively influence schools and colleges in the near future. One of the policies also bars private tutoring services for school and college students – a decision that took effect in July. Although the billion-dollar tutoring business in China took a major blow, the policy change works in the favor of families in the long term.

Enacting restrictions on tutoring would offset the financial burden on parents. An average Chinese family spends $43,500 a year on off-campus classes. Hence, dismissing tutoring services is an indication of more monetary stability for an average Chinese household.

The policy bridges income divides in China, too. Well-off families can afford to enroll children in tutoring classes that land them in the top percentile of the class. However, those deprived of this privilege have to work even harder. In this context, the policy minimizes parental access to certain privileges like tutoring services. 

Major changes in China's education system this year alone draw on the importance of prioritizing the comfort of children and the families combined. The role of school psychologists should be prioritized in a scenario involving young children. This would help them make a smoother transition into high school as they progress through each grade.

Overall, the Chinese government made a significant decision to implement essential education reforms that would benefit every household. These changes not only take the financial burden off families but underscore the importance of mental health – something that necessitates thorough attention, especially during a global pandemic.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)