Should Kids Be Given Homework or Not?
By Naishika, Year 6, Canberra (Australia)
In my personal opinion, pressuring kids with tons of homework can lead to negative effects on family dynamics, reduced stress levels (due to more time for mental and overall health), and may support diverse learning styles. My reasons below support this argument.
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Firstly, homework may negatively impact family dynamics. Homework is essentially work done at home, and it can take up a significant amount of family time. This may result in fewer opportunities for bonding with family members. If homework takes too much time, it can reduce time reserved for family activities and create feelings of isolation, potentially leading to strained relationships. Homework may also consume time that could be spent on meaningful activities such as shared meals, outings, or quality time, further causing a disconnect.
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Another important point is that not having homework may reduce stress. Kids are already given other assignments and tests to study for, along with extracurricular sports or activities. A reduction in homework could lower stress levels, leading to an overall improvement in mental health. Additionally, without homework, kids would have more time to focus on themselves, improving their sleep routines, engaging in physical activity, and boosting their overall well-being.
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Finally, there is no definitive evidence that homework makes kids smarter or helps them perform better on tests. Homework is simply a practice of schoolwork, but not all students benefit from it equally, as they have different learning styles. Students can explore concepts in environments that suit their learning preferences, whether through group activities, discussions, or independent study. Engaging in learning in their own ways, without the pressure of homework, may be more effective for some.
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The reasons above support my argument that homework is not essential for academic success. It is not proven that homework inherently makes kids smarter; rather, it is just a form of home revision. Kids should have the freedom to choose learning styles that suit them, as not everyone benefits from homework or the pressure of working at home. Furthermore, reducing homework allows for more time with loved ones and less stress. That’s why I believe kids should not be given homework.