Starting from 2025, updated sanitary rules will apply in Ukrainian schools, aimed at reducing the burden on students and preserving their health, reports 'Khvylya'. The Ministry of Health has approved the norms regarding the duration of lessons, breaks, homework, and screen time.
Duration of lessons and breaks
According to the new rules, the duration of classes will now depend on the students' age: 1st grade – no more than 35 minutes, 2-4 grades – up to 40 minutes, 5-11(12) grades – standard 45 minutes. Double lessons remain in the schedule, but the decision on their implementation will be made by the pedagogical council taking into account the children's age. Such changes will help reduce student fatigue and improve the comfort of the learning process.
Homework and use of gadgets
To allow children time for rest and sports, restrictions on homework have been introduced: 1-2 grades – no mandatory tasks, 3-5 grades – up to 1 hour per day, 6-9 grades – up to 1.5 hours, 10-11(12) grades – a maximum of 2 hours. Regarding the use of gadgets, clear limits have been set depending on the students' grade.
Online learning in emergency situations
In case of martial law or other emergency situations, a simplified mode of online learning operates, taking into account the reduced duration of lessons, mandatory breaks, and the possibility to conduct part of the tasks in the form of project or creative work.
Ukrainian schools are implementing updated sanitary rules from 2025 to ease student learning, reduce stress, and support their health. The new norms include changes in lesson durations, homework restrictions, and gadget use, as well as a simplified mode of online learning in case of emergencies.