It is true that homeschooling has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Although it can be beneficial to some extent, its merits pale in comparison with its demerits because of the lack of social skills and qualifications.
On the one hand, there are certain benefits to this trend. Primarily, teaching children at home can reduce the financial burden. To be more specific, parents would not spend their income on tuition fees and some kinds of facility costs, and thus the savings can be allocated to other fundamental needs. Another reason to consider is that it is straightforward for parents to supervise their children. They can decide how their children will be educated, and with parental control, children can avoid school violence, which may have a detrimental effect on their mental health.
On the other hand, I firmly hold the view that these benefits are dwarfed in comparison with the drawbacks. Chief among these is that homeschooling may limit children’s social skills. Children can solely interact with their family, and the opportunity to make new friends and communicate with others can be diminished, which can lead to the deficiency of certain social skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and cooperation. Another point worth considering is that children may have difficulties in obtaining accredited qualifications for tertiary education. Parents do not have the authority to issue their children with degrees, so their children will have fewer opportunities to apply to universities. As a result, it would be more competitive for homeschooled children when seeking a job.
In conclusion, despite some advantages, I believe that the downside of this trend is more significant, due to the shortage of social skills and diplomas. It is therefore imperative for parents to consider carefully and opt for a proper way to educate their children.
