Later Start Time In Schools

Staying up until 1am to finish math homework and studying for that huge history test next class is pretty routine for some teens. Juggling school, sports, a social life, and other extracurriculars is tough, and teens are already in a critical period in their life. It is the time period in which teens grow and learn the most, and sets them up for a bright future. Staying healthy both mentally and physically is imperative, and sleep is probably the most important. Schools starting as early as 7am limits a teen’s potential. If schools were to start later, the benefits would be endless. Schools starting later improves both physical and mental health of students, keeps the individual and those around them safer, and improves students performance in school and sports.

Do you ever wake up and feel like you haven’t gotten enough sleep? The reason is because in reality you probably haven’t. Studies show that schools should not start any earlier that 8:30 in the morning due to teens suffering from sleep deprivation. There are many negative effects this condition can have on a teens body including a direct effect on one’s physical and mental health, public safety and excelling in the future. In the Ted Talk video, " Why school should start later for teens" by, Wendy Troxel.  Ms. Troxel explained why school should start later for teens.. Students are very drowsy in the morning and are usually rushing to get to school on time which limits breakfasts times and healthy food options. Schools should start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.  for several reasons  but sleep deprivation is  the most important. Sleep deprivation can cause a direct effect to a child’s general health and behavior, public safety and potentially future success.

Having a later start time for schools would result in an increase in safety in students. One risk that occur when schools start earlier, is the risk of students driving to school while still sleepy. This can result in life threatening car crashes if a student falls asleep behind the wheel. Studies provided by The Encyclopedia of School Health show that the average crash rate of teen drivers went down drastically with school districts that started later. Specifically, the research showed that “the average crash rate for teenage drivers dropped 16.5% in 2 years” (“School Start Times”). Another danger that is brought up with the safety of tired students, is their awareness when crossing streets and busy areas. While those who are tired can still look and check multiple

One reason later start times should be introduced to more schools is the health benefits it can cause students around the world. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease control recommend that middle and high schools start

Teenagers need more sleep. If schools start school later, students would be less tired. A study of eight schools in Minnesota started school 1 hour later and grades and morale went up and tardiness went down. It has been scientifically proven in a test they did in Minnesota that 8 schools stated later and most of the students grades went up they were happier and everyone seemed more

Students hate getting up so early for school. Right? Teenagers on average need at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. A two thousand twelve study shows that students who start school an hour later than usual saw their math scores on standardized tests increase an average of 2.2 percent. When students are able to get the sleep they need, they are able to get up and make it to school on time. Also when students get the sleep needed, they not only are able to make it to school on time but it gives them the sleep they need to be able to function which improves academically. High School start times should start later because it allows more sleep for teenagers, increases attendance and improves academically.

Starting school at later times makes students more likely to pay attention in class. The California Academy of Sciences says, ¨Studies have shown that middle and high school students with adequate amounts of sleep, 8-10 hours, have better test scores. ¨ Since students do not get enough sleep, it would be very beneficial to start school at later times, since they would fall asleep with the correct amount of sleep. To add on to this reason, Diana Zuckerman Ph.D. says, ¨In order to compensate for the later start time, the school cut 5-10 minutes of every class and activity. The change meant students had slightly less time in the classroom, but the tradeoff was improved attention during the school day.¨ Although starting classes at later times

“zzzzzzzzz’s” kids aren’t getting enough sleep because of early school start times.We need to make start times later so America is not the most sleep deprived nation in the world. I am going to tell you why school start times should be later and what happens when you are sleep deprived. We need to make school start times later so American kids are not so sleep deprived.

Schools should start later because teens tend to stay up at night and sleep in the morning. Also, teens drink coffee to stay awake in class and now doctors are becoming worried about their health. The later school starts the better they are on many measures.

Later start times will have a better increase on student’s learning throughout the day. “Despite the lack of data, there is a growing concern that children, and especially adolescents, are not getting enough sleep they require to be at their best in school, or work, or in the community” (Wahlstrom 46). This is a good reason for why times need to be pushed back so students can have an easier day to learn being more awake to learn. Teenagers need about 9 to 9 ½ hours of sleep each night. With school starting at 7:45 o’clock each morning, along with the amount of homework

Schools who start later have on average higher test scores than schools who start early. When schools start early in the morning students sometimes do not get the amount of sleep they should be getting. Some students stay up late at night finishing their homework, which causes them not to be able to get the eight hours of sleep they need. Doing homework until late at night then having to wake up early in the morning is very bad for the body. Not sleeping the amount of time needed also called sleep deprivation can cause a higher risk of chronic health risks.

87% of high school students get less than the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep (Richter). Over the past few years, the amount of time students spend on homework has gone up , some up to 4 hours on it. While the recommended amount is still at 2. While taking away homework could be a possibility, students can still get benefits out of doing it. What many sleep experts recommend doing, is starting school later. Some of the advantages of later school starting times are that teens get more sleep, perform better academically, and are mentally healthier.

Reasons supporting a later start time is that scientists say that starting school before 8:00 a.m. is not good for the health of the students. Research from countries around the world support that teenagers are healthier overall if they get their required amount of sleep. Sleep is essential for teens to grow and learn properly. Therefore students who get enough sleep do better in school.

Do later start times in school help kids stay focussed throughout the day? Many schools have been asking this question. Some schools have even already changed their start times to be later in the morning. I believe that school start times should stay the same way that they are, because of weaknesses that could be avoided that go with later start times. I will present reasons that the same start times schools use now are fine for students today.

Finally, having school start later helps promote the safety of the kids. When school starts early, teens usually don’t get enough sleep.