Why Give Homework?

By: Ginny Sung

Students spend most of their lifetime completing assignments, doing homework, and attending school. Some people argue that homework helps students reinforce what they learn in class, but is homework really benefiting students? Students go to school for at least 7 hours a day; some have after school activities and some have sports. Then they go home after a long day and have to do more school work, allowing no time for family time or friends. ​

​Homework can cause unnecessary stress to students. According to Stanford University 56 percent of students say that homework was their primary source of stress. Stress from homework can cause lack of sleep, headaches, exhaustion, and weight loss. In the worst cases stress from homework can even cause depression or anxiety. Overtime as stress continues to build up, developing brains are put at risk. Students should be able to relax after school and prepare themselves for the next day of school, not be worrying about the assignments that they have to complete. 

Not only can homework cause unnecessary stress, homework can also affect students' social life. Social life is a big part of a student's childhood, as it can be a big part of defining who you are as a person. Students are missing out on some of the most memorable moments of their life because they are too busy completing their assignments. Social life also allows you to connect with people, strengthening communication skills; which is crucial for adulthood. These after school activities and sports give time for students to refresh themselves. Without being able to refresh themselves, it may cause students to be overwhelmed; which can cause their grades to slip. Homework also leaves no time for family or friends which can lead them to feel isolated. 

As a student going to school, playing a sport, and participating in after school activities, it is hard to manage and balance school with the other activities. The idea of homework is a very controversial topic. However, when making the decision whether homework should be given, the students perspective is rarely included. Adults and instructors really need to put themselves in the student’s shoes and see how homework really affects their lives. So why aren’t the students' perspectives included? I mean after all they are the ones who have to complete it.