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However, the proposed changes have provoked varying opinions, particularly among educational unions and stakeholders. Critics argue that laying off employees could lead to increased classroom sizes, reduced resources, and ultimately harm students’ educational experiences as well as their mental health. There are fears that fewer teachers will exacerbate issues such as absenteeism and decrease graduation rates. These concerns come amid documented rising levels of depression and anxiety among students, which are increasingly attributed to factors such as social media usage and sedentary lifestyles.