SINGAPORE Children in the city-state are more fearful of failing examinations than the death of a parent, a survey published Tuesday showed.
There is scarce time for play with three to eight hours of gruelling homework, going through assessment books and attending enrichment classes following school for the average 10-year-old, the study found.
One in three think that sometimes life is just not worth living.
The bleak picture of childhood emerged from the survey commissioned by the Straits Times on attitudes and lifestyles of Singaporean youngsters between 10 and 12.
While the top fear of British children is being hit by a car or truck, failing tests and examinations scares youngsters the most in competitive Singapore.
It was cited by 36 percent of those queried. The death of a parent was a distant second, mentioned by 17 percent. "Not scoring high marks" came third at 14 percent.
With so much time devoted to improving grades following six hours of schooling a day, "it is not surprising that seven out of 10 children have little else to talk about with their friends besides schoolwork," the study said.
The survey of 1,742 students from 16 primary schools was conducted by Singapore press holdings marketing planning and development research.
It showed a child's life here is centered on his books and self-worth measured by grades.
Almost four out of five spend up to three hours studying after school.
Seven in 10 receive tutoring, and one in three attends classes in music, speech or drama.
The leisure time that is available is spent reading newspapers, watching television and using a computer.
More than half do not talk to their parents about such social issues as helping the poor.
They know how to save money, however, about one-third of them pocket allowances they receive daily.
(DPA)