The Effects of Long School Days on Family Life

Family Life Under Strain

• A survey of over 1,300 teachers finds that parents are prioritizing work over their children, resulting in negative impacts on family life.
• Teachers report that children are spending up to 10 hours in school or childcare, leading to issues such as:
  • Children not talking to anyone
  • Children falling asleep frequently
  • Children lagging behind their peers

Causes of Family Life Strain

• 94% of teachers believe that parents working long hours is the main reason for reduced family time.
• 92% of teachers blame the use of technology for the decline in family time.

Consequences of Family Life Strain

• 56% of teachers think children spend a lot less time with their families than they did 20 years ago.
• 74% of teachers think parents and children have less time together than they did five years ago.
• 61% of teachers think parents and children have less time together than they did two years ago.

Teacher Concerns

• Teachers are concerned that children are being treated as "cogs in an economic system" and are being forced to grow up too quickly.
• Teachers believe that children need time to be children, play with friends, and spend time with their families.

Government Response

• The government believes that parents should decide what is best for their family.
• Ministers have called for school nurseries to open longer to provide more flexibility for parents.

ATL's Resolution

• The ATL has passed a resolution calling for an end to the erosion of childhood and family life.
• The resolution demands more family-friendly jobs and a greater work-life balance for parents.