Is Homeschooling Under Threat? What the New Children's Bill Could Mean for Families
Did you know that approximately 6% of all U.S. students are homeschooled? This totals roughly four million children, although the numbers differ depending on who you ask. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, these numbers have steadily increased over the past five years. Why?
Homeschooling allows parents to customize curriculum and learning in a way that works for their child. Typically, they can accomplish more academically than schools, use pedagogical approaches, enhance family relationships, and provide a safer environment. They can also choose to integrate religion, values, customs, and beliefs if they choose to do so. On November 4, 2025, however, the world of homeschooling has been thrown upside down.
The Children and Wellbeing Bill, introduced by the government, declares and mandates that all children not in a traditional school setting (public, private, or charter) must be registered and fill out a digital ID. Essentially, every child would reside under state oversight, regardless of safety concerns. While this might not sound concerning on the surface, many fear the restrictions the Bill could impose, especially for Christian freedom. Emily Bourne, a writer for Christian Concern, explains this attack on religious freedoms and parental rights this way:
"Local officials could be empowered to check on a family’s church attendance, education practices and religious teachings. Bourne warns that the Bill could allow the state to declare Christian teaching “inappropriate or unsafe”. She added, “Already, there are cases where parents have been pressured to affirm gender identities contrary to their faith, under threat of losing custody of their children.” Parents found to have breached the proposed new regulations could face a fine or even jail time," says Bourne via Christianity Today.
Not only does this Bill collect personal identification information (names, health history, special needs, religion), but it also presents a possible breach with the Human Rights Act—an act meant to protect the rights of parents to educate their children. While the Bill may have good intentions, it ultimately puts the state, rather than parents, in the primary responsibility for a child's upbringing. Bourne believes this is about "control over the next generation."
Homeschooled or not, Christian families need to stand for truth and defend their fundamental freedoms. As Proverbs 22:6 records, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (KJV). But if parents are stripped of their educational freedom, how can they teach their children best?
This month, stay informed on the Children and Wellbeing Bill passing through the UK. Engage in local governance whenever possible and support homeschooling advocacy. Check out local groups, share the word, and take a stand for justice. Talk to your friends and family members who are homeschooled and ask them how you can help. Research advocacy best practices and check out resources provided by the HSLDA (Advocate for Homeschooling) organization.
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7 Ways to Homeschool without Regrets This Year
The Best Online Christian Homeschooling Programs
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Vadimguzhva
Originally published November 04, 2025.
