Homework has been a staple of the school system for hundreds of years, but in 2025, many question whether it is necessary or helpful. With advances in technology and growing concern for the mental health of students, the traditional homework load is being challenged. Some think that the negatives outweigh the positives. Some schools are limiting or even outright banning homework, while others believe that it is still a very important and necessary part of education. Elizabeth Blatt, a freshman at Corona del Mar High School, states, “Homework can be helpful when used in the right way, but sometimes it just feels like busy work.” Students face a very busy schedule; many of them wake up early in the morning, go to school for seven to eight hours, then go to a sport or extracurricular activity, and finally come home to loads of homework. This vicious cycle repeats and negatively affects students’ mental health. Due to this negative cycle, some students can rarely find the time to see friends and socialize outside of school. Because socialization is such a crucial part of the development of students and teenagers, it has detrimental effects when neglected. Lars Davidson, a freshman at Corona del Mar High School, declares, “Homework has become too general and doesn’t actually serve its purpose of meeting students where they are and helping them learn from there.” Furthermore, some argue that not all students have equal access to study spaces or parental support, creating inequality. Ultimately, homework is most beneficial when it is purposeful and balanced. Homework should be a short, meaningful task to reinforce what was learned in the classroom. The goal shouldn’t be to fill students’ evenings with loads of busy work. In moderation, homework can be a valuable asset to reinforce learning and confidence in students.