Discussing the excessive homework burden on schoolchildren and potential cancellation: Russia deliberates on excessive schoolwork for students
In recent times, Russian politicians and education experts have been discussing the issue of excessive workload on schoolchildren and the questionable effectiveness of homework in the modern era.
Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, raised concerns about the heavy workload faced by Russian schoolchildren, stating that they spend from 8 to 10 hours daily on schoolwork. He proposed considering the abolition of homework due to its burden.
Vladislav Davankov, Vice-Speaker of the State Duma, has been vocal about his views on homework, emphasizing in his Telegram channel that it has become an imitation of learning. He previously expressed the opinion that homework should be abolished or its format changed.
However, as of mid-2025, there is no specific publicly available evidence from credible sources indicating that Russian politicians have taken a formal stance on abolishing homework due to excessive workload. Similarly, there is no detailed information on current Russian public opinion advocating for the abolition of homework because of its burden.
Despite this, a significant number of social media users agree that schoolchildren's academic workload should be regulated. Some believe that social media and artificial intelligence are the main sources of overloading for schoolchildren, hindering the development of independent thinking.
Not everyone is in favour of abolishing homework. Vitaly Milonov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Family Protection, advocates for a thorough analysis before completely abolishing homework.
In April, the Ministry of Education established norms for the duration of homework. First-graders should spend no more than an hour, second and third-graders up to an hour and a half, and fourth-graders no more than two hours daily.
The State Duma plans to discuss the issue of schoolchildren's excessive workload as early as next month. The discussions are expected to delve into the potential benefits and drawbacks of homework in the current educational landscape.
While the issue of abolishing homework in Russia is currently under debate, it is clear that concerns about student workload and homework stress are gaining prominence. Further inquiry into Russian educational policies or recent social surveys would be needed to confirm whether any such debates have emerged recently.
In an ironic statement, Andrei Rudenco, a VGTRK correspondent, criticized the idea of abolishing homework and suggested limiting education to watching social networks. He jokingly stated that 80% of the 30 young people he asked couldn't identify historical figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt.
As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether any significant changes will be made to the current homework system in Russian schools.
Education-and-self-development and politics intersect as Russian politicians deliberate on the excessive workload faced by schoolchildren and the inconclusive effectiveness of homework in the modern era. General-news outlets report that Vyacheslav Volodin and Vladislav Davankov, among other officials, have expressed concerns about the heavy workload and suggested the potential abolition of homework, while Vitaly Milonov advocates for a thorough analysis before making such a decision. Nevertheless, as of mid-2025, no formal stance on abolishing homework has been taken by Russian politicians nor substantial evidence found on the Russian public advocating for it. Despite the ongoing debate, concerns about student workload and homework stress are increasingly recognized.
