There are many reasons why high schools should have later start times. Studies show that delaying high school start times improves student academic performance and well-being, and that teenagers work better when they are well-rested.
XCeed Preparatory Academy, a private school in Florida for grades 6-12, begins their day later than many other schools. In an article on their website titled “Why Should School Start Later?” they write that delaying start times, such as their 8:30 a.m. start time, works with teens’ natural sleep schedule. The article states, “During adolescence, circadian rhythms naturally shift later, meaning melatonin, the hormone that signals sleep, doesn’t rise until later at night. As a result, many high school students struggle to fall asleep before 11 p.m. and still need eight to 10 hours of rest.” Since teenagers’ hormones don’t signal until later it would be helpful for schools to start later. Teens can listen to their bodies and be fully rested for the school day and after school programs.
If school started later in the morning, say 9 a.m, teens would have more energy and attentiveness in class, would be more engaged in discussions, and would be able to focus more intently on school work. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states, “Sleepy teens may fare worse in school than their well-rested peers. Studies have shown that teens who are sleep deprived may be more easily distracted and recall information more slowly.“ This is important to consider as it implies that changing school start times would show that schools want to work with their students and that they have their best interest in mind. To be successful teens need rest, which will result in a better education through improved focus.
Alexa Osegueda-Ayala, a freshman at Paint Branch, thinks that “a later start time would improve students’ attitude and approach to school because they would come to school less tired, more prepared and ready to learn.” She adds that it “would also have more time in the morning to eat breakfast which is very important for growing teens and their attitudes.”
Rokiatu (Roki) Sankoh, a senior at PB, thinks that starting school later in the morning will result in students being “more awake in class.” She adds that starting later would benefit students because “so many students spend time staying up late finishing homework or doing other tasks.” Roki also notes that having subjects like math that require heavy thinking so early can be difficult and overwhelming.
While later start times are popular with some, not everyone sees the value in it. One common reason that is cited for not moving to a later start time is that school districts have to think about how they will navigate the schedule for buses, classes, release times and after school programs. Everything will have to be pushed back in correlation to the change in start time, which means that this will impact parents and families in terms of work schedules. According to NeaToday writer Tim Walker, “later school start times can have ripple effects in school districts and the impact will not be felt equally by all students, families, and educators.” While many students feel that later start times would be helpful, Ezana Mola, a sophomore at PB, thinks high school should not start later because it is “preparing us for the future since more jobs start early so you’re gonna have to get used to it.”
No matter what one’s thinking on the issue, it is clear that teens are excited to catch up on sleep during weekends, which helps their body feel fully rested. Being rested benefits teens by optimizing their brain development with memory, focus, and problem solving. It is not surprising that teens feel this way as getting good sleep helps for mood regulation, boosting the immune system, and physical and social skills according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Delaying high school start times clearly has both positive and negative aspects to it. It can help students with their education and health, but it would require schools to make significant changes.