‘Parents see themselves more as a client of the school’: Underperformance in class leads to apathy at home

Parents are increasingly viewing themselves as clients of the education system rather than taking a personal interest in their children's learning, according to a new report. This shift in mindset coincides with a decline in student performance on standardized tests across many high-income countries. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which assesses 15-year-olds in countries worldwide, released results showing that average scores in math, reading, and science are at their lowest levels in the test's history.

The decline in family support for education, particularly among boys, is the primary factor contributing to the drop in scores. When parents engage with their children about schoolwork and show interest in their learning, students tend to perform significantly better. Digital distractions, such as the use of cellphones and AI chatbots in the classroom, are also linked to lower test scores.

Asian nations, however, appear to be using technology effectively to enhance student performance. Fewer than 10% of students in Japan, South Korea, and China reported digital distractions in their science classes, and these countries consistently rank among the top performers in math, science, and reading. Experts warn that China's educational dominance over the U.S. poses serious political and economic implications, as the U.S. needs a skilled workforce in science, technology, and reading to compete in the global race.