The idea of having a four-day week for schools was debated on Good Morning Britain today - and it has left viewers divided. It comes as a petition is set to be debated in Parliament today on the idea.
Guests discussed the proposal with hosts Susanna Reid and Adil Ray this morning. Author Marvyn Harrison, who hosts a parenting podcast and is a dad himself, said he was in favour, reports the M.E.N.
He said: “If you look at the statistics, one in six young people say they need the break because they are having mental health challenges. We’ve really got to consider what they need and as adults not create a world which is just for us.”
Susanna replied: “So you’re saying it’s a good idea because kids get more rest which makes them function better at school, that’s a good argument isn’t it?” But this was met with backlash from the other guest Gifty Enright.
A parenting expert, author and mum, she said: “That’s not a good argument, school serves three functions, not just education but kids also have their social life there.”
Susanna suggested that many parents rely on school for childcare. Gifty added: “If we go to a four-day week we will have to go to longer days, which will lead to more stress.”
Mentioning the stresses parents face about looking after children, she added: “Also the underprivileged who need the warmth and security that you get at school.”
GMB viewers were also left divided on the topic, sharing their thoughts on Twitter. One wrote: “Yes kids should have a four-day week. School is intense, overwhelming and draining and children need more time for R&R. Anybody saying no just doesn’t want to look after their kids.”
But another said: “I work five days a week and I cannot afford to drop a day, what would I do? Generations before us have successfully done five school days a week (me and you included), it’s the real world, why do we feel the need to wrap up this generation’s kids in cotton wool??”
