Since the beginning of our existence, humans have been driven by an instinctual urge to learn. Babies study the activity that whirrs about with fresh, curious eyes. Children pester their parents with questions, and seek to understand the objects in the world around them; they are information sponges. However, it is said that, “Most students—whether A students, C students, or failing ones—have lost their zest for learning by the time they’ve reached middle school or high school.” (Gray) How is this possible? It is of the beliefs of both myself and professionals around the world that the American Education System is negatively affecting children and hindering their growth as both humans and members of society. This disservice is contributing
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Many would argue that stress is a necessary evil. For numerous Americans, it is a motivating factor; something that pushes them to get the job done. This is evident in the everyday “rat race”, undertaken without regard for the simple moments that each day has to offer. The monotony of Americans’ daily lives develops at a very early age, when one enters the school system; which has been causing stress, lack of motivation, and distaste for the otherwise joyful experience known as learning for centuries. According to a notable article in The New York Times, “Stress damages virtually every kind of cognition that exists, including memory and executive function, motor skills, immune response and ability to sleep… Certain physical symptoms, notably repeated abdominal pain without a known cause, may be indicators of stress in children.” (A.D.A.M.) Stress is not the only factor that physically harms children, however. Excessive homework loads leave their backpacks laden with books and other materials. “6 out of 10 students, ages 9 to 20, reported chronic …show more content…
A staggering statistic notes, “According to the American Psychological Association (APA), typical schoolchildren today report more anxiety than did child psychiatric patients in the 1950's.” (Journal) Today, depression, anxiety, and ADHD are more commonly being seen in the classroom. “The number of pre-schoolers being prescribed Ritalin, Adderall and other medications for ADHD has more than doubled in the past decade.” (Bennett) The use of medication in children serves only to cover up underlying problems rather than attempting to fix the real cause. Research has shown that children benefit drastically from a balance of play and downtime at school, serving to increase positive energy and concentration. And yet, “Nearly 40% of school districts have eliminated recess nationally.” (2007) Nonetheless, inattention may not solely be caused by lack of recess and ADHD symptoms; there is a national epidemic of sleep deprivation among schoolchildren. Ideally, school age children should be getting at least 10-11 hours of sleep per night, but an overbooked schedule serves to make this nearly impossible. With so many falling short of this vital necessity, illness is only increasing. Sleep deprivation fosters depression which can in turn lead to suicide. “A nationwide survey of youth in grades 9-12 in public and private schools in the United States (U.S.) found that 15% of students reported seriously considering suicide, 11% reported
Many would argue that stress is a necessary evil. For numerous Americans, it is a motivating factor; something that pushes them to get the job done. This is evident in the everyday “rat race”, undertaken without regard for the simple moments that each day has to offer. The monotony of Americans’ daily lives develops at a very early age, when one enters the school system; which has been causing stress, lack of motivation, and distaste for the otherwise joyful experience known as learning for centuries. According to a notable article in The New York Times, “Stress damages virtually every kind of cognition that exists, including memory and executive function, motor skills, immune response and ability to sleep… Certain physical symptoms, notably repeated abdominal pain without a known cause, may be indicators of stress in children.” (A.D.A.M.) Stress is not the only factor that physically harms children, however. Excessive homework loads leave their backpacks laden with books and other materials. “6 out of 10 students, ages 9 to 20, reported chronic …show more content…
A staggering statistic notes, “According to the American Psychological Association (APA), typical schoolchildren today report more anxiety than did child psychiatric patients in the 1950's.” (Journal) Today, depression, anxiety, and ADHD are more commonly being seen in the classroom. “The number of pre-schoolers being prescribed Ritalin, Adderall and other medications for ADHD has more than doubled in the past decade.” (Bennett) The use of medication in children serves only to cover up underlying problems rather than attempting to fix the real cause. Research has shown that children benefit drastically from a balance of play and downtime at school, serving to increase positive energy and concentration. And yet, “Nearly 40% of school districts have eliminated recess nationally.” (2007) Nonetheless, inattention may not solely be caused by lack of recess and ADHD symptoms; there is a national epidemic of sleep deprivation among schoolchildren. Ideally, school age children should be getting at least 10-11 hours of sleep per night, but an overbooked schedule serves to make this nearly impossible. With so many falling short of this vital necessity, illness is only increasing. Sleep deprivation fosters depression which can in turn lead to suicide. “A nationwide survey of youth in grades 9-12 in public and private schools in the United States (U.S.) found that 15% of students reported seriously considering suicide, 11% reported