There are impacts of homeschooling in Australia. Some of them are positive while others are not. This article will walk you through them.
Impacts of COVID-19 on homeschooling
The current study investigates the impacts of COVID-19 on homeschooling and its effects on children and families in Australia. The participants were 158 adults with children aged 0 to 18 years old. The sample consisted of biological parents and foster carers, and the study took place in May and July 2020.
Homeschooling is not without its difficulties, however. Children may have difficulties in socialisation and miss friends, family, and institutions. Although social isolation is a significant concern, children may adapt to their restrictions in positive or negative ways. Homeschooling parents reported both positive and negative adjustments to restrictions in their children’s lives. They also called for increased access to mental health support and financial support from social services.
Impacts of homeschooling in Australia on mental health
While homeschooling is not compulsory in Australia, the federal government has set aside three billion dollars to encourage more independent schools to reopen. However, most Catholic schools have refused to participate in the program, and the move has caused considerable stress for independent schools. In addition to this, tensions between the Federal and State government are high. In Victoria, for example, the Federal Education Minister attacked the State’s premier Dan Andrews, accusing him of failing to lead.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on young people’s lives. The epidemic has also impacted their mental health. The study found that nearly three-quarters of the sample reported that their mental health had been negatively affected by the epidemic. Moreover, they reported several negative impacts on their learning, relationships, and friendships.
Impacts of homeschooling on work-life balance
Homeschooling is a trend that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. It has also brought new challenges. Parents, especially mothers, are facing challenges like juggling family, career, and childcare. While traditional school systems required physical attendance during the weekdays and brought students together in large groups to learn, homeschooling shifts learning to the home where learning occurs independently or with family members through the use of technologies.
The process of homeschooling is time-consuming and stressful, especially for working parents. Not only does it require constant supervision, but it can also interfere with the rest of one’s life. One participant in the survey said she would structure her time better and follow a set timetable at school. Other participants said they would be more patient and would not try to do everything. Ultimately, homeschooling can improve work-life balance.
Impacts of homeschooling on happiness
This longitudinal study examined the experiences and reflections of Australian homeschooling parents. It collected data across three-time points: during homeschooling, after social distancing restrictions were lifted, and at the start of the new school year. The results showed that the majority of parents experienced both positive and negative outcomes. For example, many reported increased time with their children and a better understanding of their children’s learning. Other parents reported stress and time management issues.
A key negative impact of homeschooling was the absence of social interaction. This impact was especially high among children who were homeschooled. These children described feeling lonely, stuck at home, and missing friends. This lack of social interaction is the number one factor contributing to children’s feelings of isolation.