California State Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo has proposed the Healthy Homework Act (AB 2999) with the aim of “creating a more supportive and less stressful homework experience.”
Schiavo seemed to be aiming for some “cool mom” points, especially since her sixth-grade daughter finds homework “exhausting.”
“Homework is exhausting. I’’s overwhelming,” Schiavo’s daughter, Sofia Johnson, told Fox 40.
“It’s depressing that my whole day- from when I wake up to when I go to bed- is nearly all taken up with schoolwork,” she added.
Fox 40 explains, “AB 2999 would not ban homework, however, the proposal would mandate local school boards and educational agencies to establish homework policies that consider impacts on students’ physical and mental health all with input from parents, teachers, and students themselves.”
“I think this is going to make a huge impact for students,” Schiavo told the station.
“The times have changed and our homework policies don’t always change with the times, so we need to make sure we are addressing issues that are effective and also don’t harm kids,” she continued.
Schiavo argued that reducing kids’ workloads would benefit their mental health.
“If it’s such a source of stress for kids, and we know taking stress off kids’ plates will make a difference in their mental health, this is something that can practically impact kids’ mental health overnight,” Schiavo added.
The bill passed through the assembly education committee with a unanimous vote and no opposition.
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