Civil groups and city councilors in Kaohsiung City have proposed a plan, to push back the current starting time for elementary schools. This move will be advantageous to parents who have to drop of their children, and the little ones with be provided with longer sleeping hours as well. With the Education Bureau's initial agreement, the city's schools can decide on the schedule starting next semester.

At a quarter after seven, parents and children start arriving at school. Many of the students are yawning and rubbing their eyes as they head to their classrooms.

According to the Child Welfare League Foundation, children should get at least nine hours of sleep every night.

Children in Taiwan, however, get an average of just eight hours of sleep per night, which is 80 minutes less than children in Japan, Korea, and the U.S.

A study conducted by Kaohsiung City councilors revealed that nearly 80% of elementary school students get less than nine hours of sleep per night, and that 70% of parents are in favor of pushing back the start of the school day and canceling study hall.

The National Teachers' Association, meanwhile, says that starting school at 7:30 a.m. prevents students from getting a good night's sleep and enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

The Kaohsiung City Education Bureau says that it will allow schools to set their own schedules depending on need.

As winter break is approaching, Kaohsiung City could become the first municipality to cancel morning study hall next semester.