Is Homework Beneficial Or Detrimental?

Critics argue that homework is a form of child abuse and prevents children from engaging in wholesome activities. Government surveys show that most students spend an hour a day or less on homework, but the campaign against homework never seems to be successful. However, after decades of research, it has been found that homework is essential but with one caveat: teachers need to have done their homework too.

While all children can benefit from homework, it is very rare for a child to benefit from hours and hours of homework. This crowds out time for other activities and increases stress on kids. Too much homework can do more harm than good, including boredom, burnout toward academic material, less time for family and extracurricular activities, lack of sleep, and increased stress.

Multiple studies have found that most students are getting too much extra assignments, leading to sleep deprivation, unhealthy levels of stress, and related health problems. Sandra Levy’s article “Is Too Much Homework Bad for Kids’ Health” found that it could be damaging to send home too much homework.

New research suggests that homework may be an unnecessary evil, and it is important for children to take a break from their education. Alfie Kohn writes about the negative effects of homework, especially when given to kids in lower grades. He feels it is stressful for them and that practice makes permanent. In conclusion, while homework can be beneficial, it is crucial for children to take breaks from their education and engage in activities that promote their overall well-being.