The debate surrounding homework has intensified, particularly as more parents, including those aspiring for their children to attend top-tier universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale, push for change. Recent trends favoring a “no homework” approach have gained attention, supported by evidence showing potential benefits, particularly in addressing educational equity. Eliminating homework may come as a shock to many, given that discussions on its necessity have persisted for decades among parents and educators alike (Lathan, 2018).
Inequality Highlighted by Homework
One primary criticism of homework is that it amplifies educational inequalities. Wealthier students often have better resources, including computers, internet access, and designated study spaces. The American Psychological Association points out that these advantages, coupled with more available parents, enable affluent children to complete homework more effectively than their less privileged peers. Conversely, children from low-income backgrounds may face challenges such as part-time jobs or busy parents, adding pressure and stress. This stress can have serious repercussions on their health and emotional well-being. Notably, a 2014 CNN report titled “Does Homework Make Your Child Sick?” found that 56% of students from a study of 4,300 in California cited homework as their primary stressor (Lathan, 2018).
Pressure Comparable to Adults
Research from New York University in 2015 echoes these findings, emphasizing that students, especially those in elite private high schools, face significant pressure due to schoolwork and parental expectations. A study in Frontiers in Psychology highlighted negative health effects such as stress, emotional exhaustion, and even substance abuse among students. Half of the surveyed students reported spending at least three hours on homework each night, often in addition to college-level classes and extracurricular activities. This workload limits time for relaxation or personal interests, with over 60% admitting to using substances to cope with stress. These pressures, researchers warn, can lead to burnout even before students reach college (Levy, 2019).
Emerging Homework Bans
In response, some schools are experimenting with homework bans. For instance, elementary schools in Marion County, Florida, replaced homework with a policy encouraging students to read for 20 minutes daily. This shift aims to balance academic needs with personal development, promoting family time, outdoor play, and adequate sleep. However, middle and high schools have been slower to adopt no-homework policies, as many educators and parents still see value in structured assignments. Experts argue that while targeted, meaningful homework can be beneficial, excessive amounts can be detrimental. Recognizing that not all students have the same resources and support at home, many advocate for more flexible homework policies that do not disproportionately impact students’ grades (Tingley, 2018).
References
Levy, S. (2019). Is Too Much Homework Bad for Kids’ Health? [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/children-more-homework-means-more-stress-031114.
Lathan, J. (2018). Is Homework Necessary? Education Inequity and Its Impact on Students. [online] University of San Diego. Available at: https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/education-inequity-and-homework/.
Tingley, S. (2018). Should Students Have Homework? [online] Western Governors University. Available at: https://www.wgu.edu/blog/should-students-have-homework1808.html.
