While listening to an economist podcast the other day, a story came up about sleep. It was titled “The merits of letting American pupils start school a bit later.” It spoke about the benefits of letting American teenagers start school later on. Currently, Judge Memorial starts school at 8:00 AM. However, experts such as those from the CDC warn that while early start times benefit kids in middle and elementary schools, teens in high schools tend to both fall asleep earlier and wake up later.
As a response to this, the Bulldog Press Instagram put a poll out on Monday, asking respondents what time school should start. There were four options: 7:45, 8:00, 8:15, and 8:30 AM. School starting at a time later than 8:00 AM totaled 76% of the vote. Naturally, we at the bulldog press wondered what would it take to push the school start time?
For one, many sports schedules may have to change. Specifically, start times for both practices and games would have to be pushed back to keep kids from missing too much school. However, many team schedules – such as cross country and football – already cause kids to miss serious amounts of school; their schedules wouldn’t have to change much. Most affected would be teams such as volleyball, basketball, boys soccer, girls soccer, tennis, and baseball which hold games and practices that currently cause students to miss minimal amounts of school. This also presents an issue in finding referees who are already in short supply. A solution can be found, however, in our region. If all schools in the region were to implement a pushed school start time, it might be easier to find referees who could work later in the day.
Students’ personal lives should also be taken into consideration. Some might have to give up job or work opportunities because they’re still at school. Others might have to miss time with their families. However, later start times positively affect students not only in their mental health but also in their school work. And though it’s unlikely to happen during my time as a student, it would be hugely beneficial for the next generation.
