There has been a growing movement in recent years to start school later in the morning for high school and middle school students. There are several compelling arguments in favor of this change.
First, there is a significant body of research indicating that adolescent students perform better academically when they start school later in the morning. This is because adolescents have naturally occurring changes in their sleep patterns during puberty, which cause them to have a preference for later bedtimes and wake times. As a result, many adolescents have difficulty falling asleep before 11:00 PM and may struggle to wake up before 7:00 AM. This can lead to sleep deprivation, which can have negative impacts on cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. By starting school later, adolescents would have the opportunity to get the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep per night, which can lead to improved academic performance.
Second, starting school later in the morning could have a positive impact on student health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to a number of negative health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, and mental health problems. By starting school later, adolescents would have the opportunity to get more sleep, which could help to mitigate some of these health risks.
Third, starting school later could also have benefits for families and communities. Many adolescents rely on their parents or older siblings to wake them up and drive them to school, which can be a burden on these individuals. Starting school later would allow adolescents to get up and get ready for school on their own, which could help to reduce the burden on their families. Additionally, starting school later could also reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for students who walk or bike to school.
Finally, starting school later could also have economic benefits. Adolescents who are well-rested and perform well academically are more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college or vocational training. This could lead to improved job prospects and higher earning potential, which could ultimately benefit the economy as a whole.
In summary, there are several compelling arguments in favor of starting school later in the morning for high school and middle school students. These include improved academic performance, better health outcomes, reduced burden on families and communities, and economic benefits. While there may be logistical challenges to implementing this change, the potential benefits make it worth considering.