Recently, The Supreme Court allowed petitions on the issue of children starting school at a young age. The Supreme Court has taken a firm stance on parents’ concerns about their children’s education.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court observed that children should not be sent to school at a young age in order to protect their mental health. Parents want their children to start school as soon as they turn two, but this is detrimental to their health.
A bench headed by Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundaresh was hearing an appeal from parents who were challenging the minimum age criterion of six years for admission to Kendriya Vidyalaya in Class I for the upcoming academic session.
The parents filed an appeal against the Delhi High Court’s April 11 order, claiming that the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) abruptly changed the admission criteria for classes I to six years just four days before the admission process began in March 2022. Previously, the standard was five years.
The court also stated during the hearing that a study was conducted to determine the appropriate age to send children to school.
The court also told to the parents’ group’s counsel, is that every parent believes their child is a genius who can sit at any age? Subsequently, in this instant case, the central government’s counsel stated that 21 states had implemented the six-plus system for the first grade under the NEP, which began in 2020, and that this policy was not challenged.
The appeal was dismissed by the court, upholding the Delhi High Court’s decision.
On the Other hand Educator Meeta Sengupta, stated that “early education lays a good foundation for achievement in school, but it should be led with care.” Early childhood education fosters the development of a child’s other abilities. This is a good thing, but others may disagree. Those who force children to memorize and perform at a young age are endangering their health.
