03.12.2025 12:05
The Ministry of National Education (MEB) has initiated a study to standardize the age for starting primary school at 72 months. It has been noted that the age difference of up to 14 months within the same class negatively affects peer bullying and academic adjustment. In the new regulation, it is planned to assess children flexibly within the age range of 69 to 75 months.
The Ministry of National Education (MEB) is preparing a comprehensive regulation for the starting age of primary school, which has been a topic of discussion for years. The age difference of up to 14 months among students in the same class negatively affects both social development and academic adaptation, prompting the Ministry to decide to reorganize the starting age.
STARTING AGE WILL RISE TO 72 MONTHS
Under the current application, children who turn 69 months old by September can start the first grade. At the request of parents, this limit can be lowered to 66 months. In the new model, the starting age for primary school will be standardized at 72 months. It is stated that children will be flexibly evaluated in the range of 69–75 months according to their developmental status. This regulation aims to reduce age differences within the classroom and ensure that students start school "more prepared."
AGE DIFFERENCE INCREASES PEER BULLYING
According to a report in Sabah, having a 66-month-old student and an 80-month-old student in the same class has long been criticized by teachers and experts.
Due to developmental differences, younger students:
- Are more vulnerable to peer bullying,
- Experience a loss of self-confidence,
- Face academic adaptation issues,
- Get tired more quickly physically.
TEACHERS' CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS
According to first-grade teachers, the most common problems seen in early-starting students are:
- Struggles with writing and fine motor skills
- Difficulties in adhering to rules
- Short attention span
- Need for support in self-care needs
- Emotional fluctuations and quick fatigue
- Delays in transitioning to reading
Experts emphasize that reducing the age difference will directly enhance the quality of education.
EXPERTS: IDEAL AGE IS 72 MONTHS
According to child development experts:
- Children who are 72 months old are socially and cognitively more ready,
- Children between 66–71 months are still in a play-oriented development period,
- It has been observed that students who start at a younger age may experience a decline in success starting from the third grade.
DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON
The details of the new regulation are expected to be shared by the MEB shortly. The changes aim to reduce peer bullying and achieve a more balanced age distribution in classrooms.