The rise of homeschooling has never been far from the news since the Covid-19 pandemic, with the widespread closure of schools meaning parents had no choice. But we’re in 2024 now, Post-Covid yet it’s still a hot topic. In fact, a 2023 UK study found that overall school absences are up by more than 50% since 2019, persistent absence has doubled – and concluded that UK parents no longer subscribe to the view that their children need to be in school full-time. Why?
Homeschooling and declining school attendance is not a trend of its own but could be a manifestation of a deeper shift amongst Millennial parents and their kids; a shift in which systems, structures and rules aren’t accepted simply because ‘that’s the way things are’. Instead, the status quo is increasingly being questioned, and if it’s not deemed fit for purpose, it’s tweaked or rejected.
We’ve seen kids and teens come together to protest against school rules they see as unnecessary or unfair:
“Rules against dyed hair, jewellery, nails and lashes (including extensions) are quite unnecessary... of course we get told off by teachers, but that doesn't stop us. Another rule that we have is if you go to the toilet, you're only allowed to go for 2 minutes and you'll be timed. I think this is so invasive - some people may need longer and some students, as the majority of students in my school struggle with mental health problems, may need to take a break, calm down, possibly could be having a panic attack… since they expect us to act like young adults and represent the school well, they should give us some dignity and freedom." – Fayha, Teen Trendspotter
On a more light-hearted note, 2023 also saw parents take to TikTok to share which generational curse(s) they’d decided to break – such as refusing to force kids to finish their meals when they don’t want to and being ok with the whole family staying in pyjamas all day.
There’s also a frustration about the dismissal of Gen A’s screen-based culture and passions by authorities who refuse to understand it. I had a fascinating conversation with a mum of a 5-year-old describing her son’s school’s reluctance to incorporate Minecraft (his number one passion) into the curriculum and his reading books, and the negative impact on his engagement compared to reading Minecraft books at home.
Gen Alpha and their Millennial parents are increasingly understanding – and using – their power to make change, thanks to digital connection allowing their opinions to be shared widely and their protests and movements to gain enormous momentum. Not only that, but they’re increasingly losing trust and belief in authorities that are either seen as outdated, inept or corrupt. In 2024, I’ll be on the lookout for plenty more rebellions against authority – both light-hearted and more serious – from today’s parents and kids.
Written by Ellie Green, Beano Brain.