So, here’s the scoop. My 15-year-old son, Danny, who’s in high school, hardly has any homework. Well, let me clarify: he does have assignments, but they’re manageable enough that he can wrap them up between classes and on the bus ride home. He’s in all honors classes and even an AP class, but his teachers keep the homework load light, focusing on maximizing learning during class and assigning only what truly aids in mastering the material.
Now, not all of Danny’s friends are so lucky. Many of them go to a local public school known for its intense academic standards, and let me tell you, they’re drowning in homework—up to six hours a night, even on weekends! They often get assignments over breaks too. This school, which serves grades 7 through 12, is ranked high in Florida and even higher nationally. The pressure is so intense that some say the school seems to push out “B” students to maintain its prestigious ranking.
I teach violin lessons to a student from that school, and her mom often tells me they’re up late—like, 1 a.m. late—trying to get homework done. They’ve had to cut back on other activities they love because of the workload. Why don’t they just switch schools? Well, it’s tough for a teenager to leave their friends behind.
This is just one extreme case, but it’s not the only one. I stumbled upon a TikTok video recently that broke my heart. There was a girl who looked completely exhausted after hours of homework—five hours in, and she still had an hour to go! Her mom posted it to show teachers just how overwhelming this can be for kids.
Teenagers Need Balance Too
We talk about work-life balance for adults, right? We know it’s essential to have that time to relax after a workday. So why don’t schools recognize that teens deserve the same? My violin student is losing precious sleep, which is vital for her growth and mental health. Teenagers need enough sleep; it impacts their mood, decision-making, and even long-term health. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious issues like heart disease and diabetes, so why is it acceptable for them to be swamped with homework?
Some parents and school staff think the sacrifice is worth it. After all, getting into a rigorous school can lead to better college opportunities, maybe even scholarships. The idea is that homework is necessary to prepare kids for the real world and make them academically competitive. Teachers give lessons during school hours, and then students are expected to practice through homework. This extra work is meant to solidify their understanding and build stamina.
Before Danny started seventh grade, I thought like many others. The only reason he didn’t get into that intense school was that he wasn’t selected in the lottery. Now, I’m relieved he didn’t, and he doesn’t even want to apply again.
The Homework Debate: Good or Bad?
Research on homework is a mixed bag. It’s complicated and depends on various factors—like age, school quality, and socioeconomic status. For younger kids, there’s little evidence linking homework to academic success. But in high school, a reasonable amount of quality homework can enhance learning.
However, it’s worth noting that the push for less homework often comes from parents in more affluent areas who see their kids crushed by excessive assignments. In contrast, parents in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods often wish for more homework to keep their kids connected to school and challenged.
Still, it’s becoming more common to see videos like that poor girl’s, where parents struggle to support their kids buried under piles of homework. Experts suggest limiting homework to about 10 minutes per grade level per night. It’s clear that too much can be detrimental. Kids shouldn’t be doing homework until the wee hours of the morning when they should be sleeping. My violin student shouldn’t have to drop out of her local youth symphony because all her time is consumed by homework. No child should have to sacrifice family time for endless assignments, nor should parents have to comfort a crying teen after a grueling six-hour study session.
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Summary
In summary, we need to rethink the amount of homework being assigned to our kids. Balance is essential for their mental and physical health, and too much homework can lead to serious consequences. It’s time to advocate for a more manageable approach that allows teens to thrive both academically and personally.
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