Homework
Trends: Young People and Leisure 1983-2005
- After two peaks, in the 'did some homework after school' chart, around the early and late 1990s, a downward trend can be seen
- Younger pupils and in particular 12-13 year old females have consistently reported the higher percentages in the charts. Around 45% have regularly reported doing up to 1 hour of homework compared with around 38% of older pupils
- 14-15 year old males have usually reported the lowest percentages for doing homework
- 14-15 year old females have generally occupied the lower percentages with around 55% reporting doing up to 2 hours homework
- Lately between 65%-75% have reported doing some homework and between 55%-65% report spending up to 2 hours after school 'yesterday'
- Interestingly, over the years, it is generally the younger age group that appear to report higher percentages spending 'up to 2 hours' doing homework. Is it is common for pupils to think they have spent hours doing homework when they have been involved with time-wasting activities like sharpening pencils or watching TV? Do the older pupils have a firmer grasp on the actual time they take to do homework? Or does the 'up to 1 hour' chart provide a clearer picture?
"Young people are telling us that computers and the Internet are more important than ever before. Several activities seem to have declined over the last decade or so like reading and doing homework."
We find that young people in recent years are less likely to... 
- Be doing homework after school. Around 45% have regularly reported doing up to 1 hour of homework although just 38% of older pupils say so.
Did some homework after school yesterday:
Up to 2 hours of homework after school yesterday:
- The trend in the 'up to 2 hour' chart (above) suggests greater involvement from the younger age group. However the 'up to 1 hour' chart clarifies the point
- This is further illustrated in the chart below, from 'Young People into 2006' that shows older pupils reporting longer hours
How long did you spend doing homework after school yesterday?
