With rising concerns about student stress and mental health, many schools are rethinking the role of homework. Recent studies and classroom experiences suggest that too much homework can do more harm than good. 

“Learning doesn’t always have to come from a worksheet,” English high school teacher, Bryan Morgan said. “Students do better when they have time to rest and reflect.” 

A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that students who spent more than an hour on homework each weekday reported higher levels of stress and anxiety. Similarly, a Maynooth University report from the same year showed that short, targeted assignments were more effective and less overwhelming. 

Picture of sophomore Alex Celaya doing home work.

“It gets overwhelming,” sophomore, Isaac Espinoza said. “After school and practice, I’m up late doing homework. There’s no time to just be a teenager.” 

“Even when I try to stay organized, there’s just too much,” sophomore, Isreal Aguilar said. “I love learning, but the pressure ruins it.” 

Some schools are cutting back on homework, and teachers are seeing students more focused and less stressed. 

A 2024 Kahoot! survey found that 90% of college students struggled to finish schoolwork due to mental health issues, mainly from feeling overwhelmed. 

“We’re not saying homework should go away,” Morgan said. “It just needs to be meaningful and not take over students’ lives.” 

More schools are now exploring healthier homework habits that give students time to rest and grow.