Teenagers are often criticized for staying up too late and not getting enough sleep, but studies have shown that this may not be entirely their fault.

Research indicates that the average adolescent has a biological sleep pattern that makes it difficult for them to fall asleep before 11 p.m. and wake up before 8 a.m. Unfortunately, many high schools in the United States still start classes as early as 7 or 8 a.m.

The Benefits of Later Start Times

Starting school later in the day has been shown to lead to numerous benefits for adolescents, including:.

Improved Academic Performance

Research indicates that students who attend schools with later start times have higher grades, higher test scores, and fewer absences. In one study, students at a high school in Minneapolis were given the option to start school at either 7:15 a.m.

or 8:40 a.m. Students who started school at 8:40 a.m. had higher grades, attended school more regularly, and were less likely to be tardy than those who started at 7:15 a.m.

Better Mental Health

Studies show that sleep-deprived teenagers are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Later start times allow adolescents to get the recommended amount of sleep, which can lead to improved mental health and overall well-being.

Reduced Risk of Car Accidents

Sleep-deprived teenagers are more likely to be involved in car accidents. By starting school later, adolescents are able to get more sleep and reduce their risk of being involved in a car crash.

Challenges to Implementing Later Start Times

Despite the many benefits of later start times, there are several challenges to implementing this change in schools. Some of the challenges include:.

Bus Schedules

Many schools rely on bus transportation to get students to and from school. Pushing back start times could cause conflicts with bus schedules and make transportation more difficult.

After-School Activities

Later start times could also impact after-school activities, such as sports, clubs, and jobs. Schools would need to adjust their schedules to accommodate these activities.

Parental Concerns

Some parents may be hesitant to support later start times for their children. They may worry that their children will miss out on opportunities or that later start times will disrupt their own schedules.

Conclusion

Research indicates that later start times can lead to improved academic performance, better mental health, and reduced risk of car accidents for adolescents.

While there are several challenges to implementing this change, many schools have already made the switch to later start times and have seen positive results. By prioritizing the well-being of students, schools can create a more supportive and successful learning environment.