Should School Start Later?

The question of whether schools should start later has been debated for years among educators, parents, and students. Early start times have been a long tradition in many education systems, but research suggests they are not always the healthiest or most effective approach for students, more particularly for teenagers. 

The Case for Later Start Times 

Studies in sleep science reveal that teenagers experience a natural change in their sleep hours during puberty. This change makes it harder for them to fall asleep early, meaning they often struggle to get enough rest when school begins at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. As a result of this, many teenagers are and feel repeatedly deprived of their sleep. This lack of enough sleep can harm their concentration, memory, and mood, which directly affects academic performance. 

Health experts have also pointed out that insufficient sleep is linked to higher risks of anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues like a weakened immune system. By starting school later, students could get closer to the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, improving both their well-being and learning performance. 

Statistics 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 73% of high school students do not get enough sleep on school nights, averaging less than the recommended eight hours. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that when schools start after 8:30 a.m., students are more likely to get healthy sleep habits. In one study, schools that started at later times saw an increase in average sleep by 45–60 minutes per night, as well as a 16% drop in tardiness and student absences. These numbers show the clear connection that exists between later start times and student well-being. 

Academic and Social Benefits 

Schools that have postponed start times often report improvements. Students arrive more alert to class, perform better in classes, and show a bigger engagement in activities. Later schedules also reduce tardiness and absences, as seen in the statistics. Beyond academics, refreshed students usually have stronger social interactions and an improved emotional stability. 

Bibliography:

Wheaton, Anne G., et al. “School Start Times, Sleep, Behavioral, Health, and Academic Outcomes: A Review of the Literature.” Journal of School Health, vol. 86, no. 5, 3 Apr. 2016, pp. 363–381. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4824552/, https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12388. 

Bonner, Kelly. “Why Schools Should Start Later.” The Cavo Chronicles, Kelly Bonner, 16 Feb. 2024, gocavos.org/22587/opinion/why-schools-should-start-later/. 

Robinson, Lucy, and Cale Matthews. “Schools Encouraged to Start Later as Teens Struggle with Sleep Deprivation - ABC News.” ABC News, 10 Sept. 2024, www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-11/later-school-start-times-support-teenagers-sleep-health/104327822. 

“Why Can’t You Wake up Early for School?” Www.youtube.com, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw_3Q6CRxGA.