Imagine being a young child, spending hours upon hours trying to get through piles of homework, so much so that you have to quit after-school activities. This grim reality is not only my story, but the story shared by many children across the country. Homework, meant to be a tool to reinforce what we learn inside the classroom, has turned into a burden stealing children's free time and imposing mental strain.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids over 6 years should get one hour of physical activity every day. But with the current homework load, children are finding it hard to meet this target. A study conducted by the American Journal of Family Therapy found that students are receiving more than three times the recommended amount of homework, leaving them with less free time and leading to heightened stress.

I have a story, One time it was already 8:00 pm at night I thought I was done with all my homework...but i was wrong. It turned out I had an IXL to do so I did it. I was up til 3 am, and it was a school night! This goes to show that homework ruins free time and hurts kids mental health.

The current scenario is in evident need of change. Restricting the amount of homework will not only give children more free time but also will contribute significantly to their mental well-being. We are calling for sensible restrictions on homework that ensures it remains a tool for learning, not a torment. It is time for our education system to prioritize children's overall development, including their spare time. Please sign this petition.