Apparently, our reporting skills started developing in early childhood at school, which probably shaped our later relationship with reports at work. For example, I explored homework's impact and found it to be highly problematic. Here are the ten most prominent problems school homework creates — you might recognize some:
1. Stress & Anxiety
Homework is cited as the greatest source of stress for children, surpassing divorce or financial worries.
2. Sleep Deprivation
Excessive homework time cuts into bedtime, leading to insufficient sleep and reduced academic performance. Over one third of children report that homework occasionally detracts from their sleep.
3. Family Conflict
Parents and children often argue over homework completion, straining relationships. Half the parents surveyed reported having a serious argument with their child over homework.
4. Reduced Time for Personal interest activities
Long homework hours limit participation in sports, reading for pleasure, and other enriching activities. Children spend very little time in any of these activities.
5. Parental Micromanagement
Parents who feel incompetent may become “homework cops,” which can lower a child’s self‑concept. Parental involvement can be intrusive; controlling approach negatively associated with effort.
6. Inequitable Access to Resources
Students from low‑SES families lack quiet spaces, technology, or materials needed for homework. Students from low‑income homes may not have access to necessary supports.
7. Lack of Clear Homework Policies
Schools often have vague or nonexistent policies, leaving parents and teachers uncertain. Only 35% of school districts in the U.S. have homework policies.
8. Misaligned Purpose of Homework
Homework is frequently assigned for completion rather than learning, causing frustration. Homework is often administered for learning and to demonstrate an understanding or simply for completion.
9. Negative Impact on Social‑Emotional Health
Chronic homework stress contributes to anxiety, depression, and lower overall well‑being. Homework has little to no positive effect on elementary‑aged learners’ academic achievement and can harm social‑emotional health.
10. Parental Views of Self‑Efficacy
Parents who doubt their ability to help feel more stressed, which in turn raises family stress. Parents’ personal perceptions of self‑efficacy correlated with family stress.