Children need enough quality sleep to thrive – as do adults. And yet, in the U.S., most states ignore experts’ recommendations, and classes start way too early in the morning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, middle and high school shouldn’t start earlier than 8:30.
But what time does school start in reality? With the exception of a few states, like South Carolina (average high school start time 8:34), children are expected in class between 7 and 8, depending on the state and specific district. For example, the average high school start time in Louisiana is as early as 7:30.
Why is this the case?
- Tradition. Early schedules have been the norm in the U.S. for ages. In the past, school hours were designed around agricultural and industrial routines because children were expected to help their parents with chores, farm work, etc.
- Logistics. Schools are trying to optimize their resources: buses are serving multiple routes; maintenance work in schools can be done after school hours; school cafeterias can serve both breakfast and lunch.
- Parents’ work hours. When a child doesn’t have a stay-at-home caregiver, parents need to be able to drop them off before work.
Do these reasons beat children’s well-being, though?
Sleep Needs for Children and Adolescents
How much sleep do teenagers need? What about pre-teens? The recommended sleep time depends on age.
- Children 6 to 12 years old need 9-12 hours of sleep.
- Adolescents 13 to 18 years old need 8-10 hours of sleep.
Young children may need more sleep, but, unlike adolescents, it’s not an issue for them to wake up very early and then go to bed early enough to get the recommended amount of sleep. However, the situation is different for teenagers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high schools start classes no earlier than 8:30. The hormonal changes during puberty affect young people’s circadian clocks, which makes it more difficult for them to fall asleep early. As a result, the seemingly simple solution that can work for elementary school students – “go to bed earlier to deal with early wake-up times more easily” – isn’t really an option for adolescents.
Insufficient sleep doesn’t go without consequences. Children who don’t get enough of it are at a higher risk for both physical and mental health problems. Regular lack of sleep is associated with poor self-regulation, unhealthy coping, depression, obesity, and more. Of course, children’s academic performance also suffers when they don’t sleep enough.
Later School Start Times: Do They Help?
A common misconception is that starting school just 30 minutes to an hour later wouldn’t do much to improve children’s sleep schedules and ensure that they get enough sleep. Of course, to some extent, this makes sense. Starting classes later is only part of the problem. Monitoring children’s sleep routines and limiting their smartphone use are equally important steps.
At the same time, even just pushing the school start time back 30 minutes can help. It’s proven to have a positive effect on students’ well-being. Research shows that later school start times (8:30 to 9:00) are associated with lower sleepiness, higher academic performance, and better developmental outcomes.
Adjusting school starting times to 8:30 or later would be particularly helpful for teenagers – both because of the changes in circadian rhythms during puberty and because adolescence itself is a risk factor for mental health. This is the period of onset of different mental disorders, and lack of sleep can trigger them.
Reason Why School Should Start Later
Children’s health should be a big enough argument in itself to convince school boards and state governments to push back school start times. But even if it weren’t, there are more. So, why should school start later?
- Children’s health. Getting enough sleep within the recommended window helps children stay healthy both physically and mentally.
- Academic performance. When children are well-rested, they perform better cognitively and are more attentive in class. Even just one extra hour of sleep can improve children’s focus and test performance.
- Alertness. Staying awake isn’t just important for children’s focus in class. It also helps prevent injuries, especially those from falling asleep while driving. A study conducted in North Carolina revealed that 55% of all “fall-asleep” road accidents are caused by young drivers under 25, including teenagers. Minors’ sleep is a public health issue for more reasons than one.
- Behavior and discipline. Well-rested children and adolescents are less likely to be disruptive in class. They have fewer behavioral issues and tend to follow teachers’ instructions.
Extracurricular performance. Classes aren’t the only important part of young people’s lives. For example, for a lot of them, sports are a way to get a scholarship and be able to attend college; others go on to pursue academic or creative extracurriculars professionally. A good sleep schedule ensures that children have energy and motivation to excel in whatever they are interested in, both in and out of the classroom.
Benefits of Later School Start Times
Children aren’t even the only ones who might benefit if classes get pushed back a little. Parents, teachers, and schools will likely appreciate the change, too.
- Parents will experience less morning stress because they won’t need to rush the entire family and try to fit every part of their morning routine in 30 minutes or so just to get the child to school on time. They will also be better-rested and more focused, which might benefit their performance at work.
- Teachers will be more alert and focused in class. When classes start at 7:30, teachers yawn as much as students do, especially during morning classes. They are also more likely to be irritated and lash out at students, all because of having to get up too early. An extra hour of sleep would help solve this problem.
- Schools will have improved academic performance among students and fewer disciplinary problems. Well-rested students behave and are more focused in class, and the same goes for teachers. Even attendance rates might improve, which is what any school board wants to see.
Still, the number one reason why schools should start later is that it would benefit children’s well-being, which should be the top priority.
Changing the School Start Time: Key Challenges
As discussed, schools start early for a number of reasons, and those reasons aren’t always easy to ignore. Parents who start work early might protest because they wouldn’t be able to drop off their children at school before going to work. They might also be resistant to change if their routine is built around specific school hours.
In turn, schools might be against a later school start time because that would require major changes in logistics, including bus schedules. Having teachers stay later might also result in budget changes that not all schools can afford. It’s easy to see why school start times are such a controversial topic.
Conclusion
Why should school start later? Because it would benefit both children and their caregivers.
Young people’s physical and mental health should be the number one priority for parents, schools, and health professionals alike. Ensuring that students sleep enough is within the bare minimum. Getting enough quality sleep is critical not only for a child’s academic performance but for overall well-being. This is true whether they are in elementary school or preparing for college—where the importance of a good night’s rest continues, especially when balancing the demands of assignments or using services like a graduate school essay writing service to stay on top of work.
Plus, later school start times are a chance for parents to be a little better-rested, too, and avoid rushed, stressful mornings. Teachers, too, may enjoy an extra hour of sleep and feel less sleepy during morning classes. Despite certain logistical challenges, an adequate school start time – meaning 8:30 and later – is in everyone’s best interest.