“Children return home in the dark“: Kazakhstan's Ministry of Labor offers advice to parents

Tengrinews.kz – The recent time change and shorter daylight hours have left Kazakhstani students walking home in the dark. Addressing this issue, journalists asked Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Svetlana Zhakupova, for solutions during a government briefing.
Zhakupova suggested that parents could negotiate flexible working hours with their employers to be available when their children finish school.

"I’ve previously stated that employees can request an individual work schedule to pick up their children after school. They can adjust their hours with the employer. Currently, the ministry has no plans to propose changes to the time policy as the government has a consolidated stance on this matter," said Zhakupova.

Journalists also raised concerns about the health impact of reduced sunlight with Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova, specifically whether people should increase their vitamin D intake.

"Overdosing on vitamin D can be harmful. Supplements should only be taken based on individual needs and medical advice," responded Alnazarova.

The minister was also asked earlier about whether the time change has led to increased depression among citizens.
Kazakhstan switched to a unified time zone on March 1, sparking public debate. In June, a petition to reverse the time change garnered over 50,000 signatures.