There is no clear evidence that homeschooling leads to less socialization as it depends on the individual family’s approach and opportunities for social interaction.
And now, more specifically
Homeschooling has been a growing trend over the last few decades as a viable alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar schools, but one concern often raised by critics is the socialization of homeschooled students. However, research shows that there is no clear evidence that homeschooling leads to less socialization as it depends on the individual family’s approach and opportunities for social interaction.
In fact, some studies suggest that homeschoolers may actually have more opportunities for socialization than their traditionally schooled peers. A study by the National Home Education Research Institute found that homeschooled students participated in an average of 5.2 activities outside the home, such as sports teams, music or art classes, and community organizations, compared to 4.3 activities for traditionally schooled students. Additionally, homeschooled students tend to have more diverse social experiences, interacting with children of different ages and backgrounds, as well as with adults in a variety of settings.
As education expert John Holt once said, “We can best help children learn, not by deciding what we think they should learn and thinking of ingenious ways to teach it to them, but by making the world, as far as we can, accessible to them, paying serious attention to what they do, answering their questions — if they have any — and helping them explore the things they are most interested in.”
There are also several other interesting facts related to this topic, including:
- Homeschooling is legal in all 50 U.S. states, although the laws and regulations governing homeschooling vary by state.
- Homeschooling is not a new concept; in fact, prior to the advent of public education in the 19th century, most education took place in the home or in small community schools.
- The number of homeschooled students in the United States has been steadily increasing over the last few decades, with an estimated 2.5 million homeschooled students in 2019.
- Homeschooling can be a great option for families who want greater flexibility and control over their children’s education, and who may feel that traditional schools do not meet their children’s needs or values.
In conclusion, while the socialization of homeschooled students is a common concern, research suggests that there is no clear evidence that homeschooling leads to less socialization, and that homeschooled students may even have more opportunities for diverse social experiences. As with any schooling option, it is up to individual families to determine the best approach for their children and their unique circumstances.
| Pros of Homeschooling | Cons of Homeschooling |
|---|---|
| Greater flexibility and control over curriculum and schedule | Requires significant time and energy investment from parents |
| More opportunities for personalized learning and individual attention | Limited social interaction with peers |
| Greater opportunities for pursuing passions or interests | Can be financially burdensome, as homeschooling materials and resources can be costly |
| Ability to create a safe and nurturing learning environment | May not provide opportunities for specialized programs or resources, such as advanced courses or extracurricular activities |
See the answer to “Are homeschooled students less social?” in this video
Jordan Peterson addresses the issues with the current public education system and acknowledges that there is a blueprint for turning children into social justice warriors in the elementary teachers federation of Ontario’s education guidelines. While he does not discourage homeschooling, he warns against using the problems with public education as an excuse and stresses the importance of creating a board of advisors to make informed decisions and equip children with the tools to articulate their viewpoints. He also acknowledges the challenges that come with homeschooling and receives applause for his insights.
Many additional responses to your query
Do homeschoolers lack social skills? Social skills, sometimes also called interpersonal skills, come from interacting with others in social situations or out in public. Homeschool students interact socially and with the public on a regular basis. So, homeschooler social skills are on par with any other school child.
Homeschooled kids are ethical and are more likely to take social responsibility than conventionally taught kids. Homeschooled kids are open-minded and like to try new things. Homeschooled kids are well-behaved and experience less “emotional turmoil.”
Most of this research finds that being homeschooled does not harm children’s development of social skills, as measured in these studies. In fact, some research finds that homeschooled children score more highly than children who attend school on measurements of socialization.
Thus, homeschooled students are not at risk for socialization problems in the U.S. There were three minor exceptions: homeschooled children were less likely to participate in sports, and were reported as less likely to “argue too much” or “care about doing well in school” by their parent.
In conclusion, the available studies show either no difference between homeschooled children and other children, or a difference favoring homeschooled children. They suggest that homeschooled children’s social skills “are certainly no worse than those of children attending conventional schools, and are probably better” (Medlin, 2000, p. 116).
"There is no basis to question the social development of homeschooled children." Homeschooling parents know kids need blocks of quiet time alone. Time to dream and grow and find out what it is they love to do. This is something few children enjoy today.
Research facts on homeschooling show that the home-educated are doing well, typically above average, on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development. Research measures include peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem.
I’m sure you’ll be interested
Are homeschooled children more social?
In reply to that: In fact, some research finds that homeschooled children score more highly than children who attend school on measurements of socialization. However, this research has major limitations, and does not reflect the experiences of many homeschool alumni.
Are homeschooling studies based on self-reports?
Studies typically rely almost entirely on home educators’ and homeschooled children’s self-reports, and not on neutral assessments of children’s social skills; Studies typically “treat school attendance as a binary,” and do not take into account whether children attend school part-time or are enrolled in co-ops.
Do homeschooled children miss out on socialising?
Some people believe homeschooled children miss out on socialising with others and are sheltered from the normal pressures of life. Many question how parents can cultivate important aspects of social development such as resilience and effective interpersonal skills in their children if they are not being exposed to peers in a typical school setting.
Are homeschooled children more altruistic?
Kingston and Medlin (2006) reported that homeschooled children described themselves as more altruistic than public school children did. In conclusion, the available studies show either no difference between homeschooled children and other children, or a difference favoring homeschooled children.