Does Homework Negatively Affect Kids?

In the early years of a child’s life, the brain is capable of absorbing information exceeding the ability that of adults. Because of this, many schools determine that they will give these developing young minds homework, hoping that the children will retain the skills they are being taught. Although this philosophy does seem logical, giving homework to children can lead to a myriad of problems. Such problems include lack of physical activity, lack of bonding with their parents, and increased stress levels. According to Parker, researcher and senior lecturer Denise Pope from Stanford University "...found that too much homework can negatively affect kids, especially their lives away from school, where family, friends and activities matter” (1). Homework affects a broad area in the lives of children to the extent that it should not be required. Outside of school many children participate in extracurricular activities. These activities can concede many hours of a child’s time to the point that when they get home it is time for dinner, then to the bath, and finally to bed. If a child participates in these types of activities, there is no time for them to complete their homework. A few possible solutions do exist, however. The child can stay up later and sacrifice sleep to complete …show more content…
Homework, it was believed, could accelerate knowledge acquisition” (Gavani). The more modern idea of homework began in the 1950’s as a result of the Russian Satellite Sputnik. As time went on, parents became worried that homework drowned out social experiences and outdoor and creative activities. Parents at the time understood the negative effects of homework. Nevertheless, homework has managed to stayed an active part in every child’s life up to this point in history. Society should open their eyes to the fact that homework is filled with negative aspects and should be