Homework should be banned. Every student, whether in elementary school or college, knows the

stress of homework. These after-school assignments can range from being a coloring assignment to a

presentation to reading 100 pages in a textbook, but in the end, it can be detrimental to students’ mental

and physical health (Scribd).

At its start, homework began as punishment. Created by an Italian teacher in 1905, Robert

Nevellis, its purpose was to punish the students who were lazy in class or rude, and disobedient, to their

teacher (GreenWoodHigh). The practice became popular and was frequently used around the world;

however, punishment in schools was stopped many years ago, but homework remained.

There are many problematic factors of homework: it destroys a person’s sleep cycle, it causes

depression and it encourages cheating. Some students begin to give up because of the accumulating

assignments weighing them down.

Yet, some still claim that homework is beneficial despite all of its negative components. They

argue that homework teaches problem-solving skills and responsibility. But what if homework is the

problem? The solution would be to eliminate these after school assignments all together, but that is not

going to happen. Plus, responsibility should be taught in schools because of its great importance. If school

is meant to teach their students, then why not teach them this?

Many schools disregard the importance of resources at students’ homes. In some kids' homes, they

might not have the necessary resources for the assignments given by teachers: coloring tools, internet, or

parental assistance. Home life is another big factor in why students don’t, or can’t, do their homework.

Many have obstacles – like parents and their home environment – that limit their ability to do homework.

In addition, homework causes many students to experience an occupational burnout: chronic

workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Most, if not all students, have extracurricular

activities, or work, after school which takes time away from their studies. When homework is added to

school, an afterschool activity, daily chores, and anything else that a student typically handles during their

day, can be overwhelming (Writool).

A solution to this problem would be to ban homework. By banning homework, students have more

time to spend with their family and friends, involve themselves in more activities and sports, and it will

reduce the amount of physical and mental stress weighed upon these learners.