The number of public-school students who learn online has grown exponentially during the past decade and even more so since the Covid pandemic began. 

Why has this happened? One reason for this is because our government has contracted private businesses, such as K-12, to provide virtual learning programs for its students. With the massive amount of money put into advertising by these virtual businesses, parents have bit onto the hook.

Now, after the Covid lockdown measures, the virtual world is bustling with young children sitting in front of computers instead of sitting in classrooms. 

The Question You Should Ask

The question you should ask is this: is virtual learning the best way to homeschool, and, if not, what is an alternative that’s within your average parent’s reach?

It’s always wise to remember that just because everyone is doing something doesn’t make it the right thing to do. In fact, in the case of virtual schooling, it turns out the opposite is true.

There is and has been ample evidence that virtual schools provide their students with a sub-par education.

One need not look very far to find the evidence. Consider this: 50.1% of virtual high school students graduate within four years compared with 84% of high school students nationally, according to the National Education Policy Center at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Putting aside the aging story of low educational standards and the bleeding of the taxpayer’s money into the pockets of these corporate-run virtual schools, let’s look at the other disadvantages to virtual schools that you may not have considered yet.

1) Social Development

A lack of proper social development is a matter that should concern you tremendously. To develop excellent social skills, one must socialize. To put your child in front of a computer and expect that he’ll grow up to be a socially adept person is nothing more than wishful thinking.

He won’t. It’s like confining a child to a playpen and expecting him to learn how to walk.

Daniel Goleman first pointed out in the 1990s that emotional intelligence, which includes good social skills, is vitally important to a person’s ability to do well in life. There have been many, many studies since which have confirmed his findings.

Even if we had no studies, common sense should tell us this is true.

2) Screen Addiction

Another oversight is the idea that your child can study at a computer all day and not develop the habit of using the computer. What we do every day becomes our habits, and our habits form who we are. 

Children who spend time in front of computers are at a far higher risk for developing video game and social media addictions later.

And if your child has a video game obsession or a social media obsession, do you think he will be playing sports or engaged in social activities or reading books?

What consequences will the lack of these non-computer activities have on his life? 

The consequences will be that your children will have more health problems from a lack of physical activity, and they’ll do less well in life from a lack of adequate social skills.

3) The Virtual Teacher

What about the role the teacher plays in your child’s learning process, a role that is extremely important to a child’s academic success? The role a teacher plays is that he inspires a student to love the subject the teacher loves, a good teacher motivates a child to work harder, and a good teacher becomes a positive influence in the child’s life.

A computer screen with a teacher staring at your child from the other end of nowhere is simply no replacement for a real teacher any more than the image of you looking back in the mirror is a replacement for the real you. 

4) Health Problems

Sitting in front of a computer all day causes health problems. Adults suffer all sorts of ailments from sitting in front of a computer and not getting enough exercise; such as musculoskeletal injuries, headaches, poor vision, inability to focus, obesity, cardiovascular illnesses, and waning memories.

Why do we think there are no health risks for our children when they are still developing their minds and bodies and in even more need of physical activity than we are?

5) Myopia

Children who use the computer are at higher risk for developing myopia (nearsightedness), according to researchers. In the past few decades, as computer use has become more and more common for children, so has the necessity for reading glasses. (Too early reading will cause this too.)

The next time you go to your eye doctor, assuming he is over 50, ask him if he’s seen an increase in the number of children who wear glasses? I can tell you right now that he will say yes. 

Is it worth it to let your children ruin his eyes when there are alternatives to virtual schools?

6) Musculoskeletal Health Problems

Posture is also a problem because sitting at the computer causes us to slouch forward and tilt our heads back, which can lead to bad posture, headaches, and muscle strain. As we age, these problems become chronic if we don’t address them in time. 

We are now seeing the musculoskeletal problems of the elderly show up in younger people today. You don’t want these kind of health problems for your child!

7) Obesity

Childhood obesity has become a significant concern amongst pediatricians because of the physical and psychological health problems that accompany obesity, such as heart disease, musculoskeletal issues, and a lack of self-esteem.

Excuse me for being politically-incorrect, but there is nothing attractive about obesity either. 

The Alternative

Rather than using the virtual schools, which are riddled with so many serious problems, why don’t you homeschool your children with real books instead?

You may have the belief that you aren’t qualified to teach your child, so take a moment to reflect on the fact that you were the first teacher to your child, and you were successful. You taught him how to walk, talk, get dressed, tie his shoe, and so forth.

When you are a homeschooling parent, instead of tying shoes, your child is learning math. It’s that simple. There is no magic to it. There is a false belief that only “accredited” teachers can teach, but there isn’t an idea on earth more foolish than this one.

Everyone one of us is a teacher; it’s something innate to being human. As a parent, you are always teaching your children whether you’re aware of it or not.

It’s a mindset, that’s all it is. 

You have to change your attitude towards your ability to homeschool your child. You will need a sound curriculum, you will need to understand how children learn, you will need to learn some teaching methods, you will need to schedule your day, but the actual teaching is not rocket science, and you can do it.

Here is a free download with ten facts about homeschooled kids to help you. Knowing how well homeschooled kids do from being taught by parents like yourself is encouraging in and of itself.

 Lastly, if you’re wondering how you’ll survive being with your child all day, remember this: his childhood will be over before you know it. Instead of panicking about your loss of free time, focus on the great benefits your child will reap from being homeschooled by you.

And schedule a lunch date or yoga class for yourself, because, yes, you can have a life when you are homeschooling. 

And, trust me, it’ll be a more rewarding life. 

Don’t miss our free download, Ten Books Every Well-Educated Child Should Read.

Become a Smart Homeschooler and give your child a first-rate, screen-free education at home using the Smart Homeschooler Academy Curriculum and teaching methods taught in the program. Join the Smart Homeschooler Academy online course and feel secure knowing that you have what you need to homeschool successfully as well as live ongoing support from Elizabeth.

For parents of children under age seven who would like to prepare their child for social and academic success, please begin with our online course, Raise Your Child Well to Live a Triumphant Life.

Elizabeth Y. Hanson is an Educator, Homeschool Emerita, Writer, and a Love and Leadership Certified Parenting Coach with 20 years of experience working in children’s education.

Utilizing her unusual skill set, coupled with her unique combination of mentors, Elizabeth has developed her own comprehensive understanding of how to raise and educate a child. She devotes her time to helping parents get it right.

☞ Disclaimer: This is not a politically-correct blog.