We, the people of Ireland, call on the Minister for Education to take ownership of the homework situation, rather than leaving it to individual schools to decide, and put a stop to homework for primary school children. We also call for a review of secondary school homework. 

Research suggests homework for primary school aged children has little to no academic benefit. And just like adults with work, children should have the right to disconnect after a day spent in school. Afternoons should be for children to do the things they love - the things that are beneficial for their physical and mental health, and their overall development and well-being. There are other ways to learn, and so much more to learn.

Homework causes untold stress in many homes. We live in very different times, with very different pressures. There is not always a parent at home in the afternoons meaning limited family time in late evenings is taken over by the needless stress of homework. Not every child has a parent who can support them with homework. Not every child has a suitable environment to do homework. And for children with additional needs, homework can prove extremely problematic after a long day of coping with the demands of the school environment.

We owe it to our children to teach them  a healthy work, rest and play balance. A skill and balance they can take forward into adulthood. It's time to let our children be children and allow them to reclaim their afternoons. It's time to value family time and the other parts of children's lives.