Essay On Why High School Should Start Later

For about 20 years now, school districts across the United States have debated delaying high school start times to start later so adolescent students are allowed more time to sleep, which studies say helps school performance and brain development. Most high schools in the United States start class at 7:59 a.m or earlier. Statistics show that starting school at these early hours can not only result in multiple physical, psychological and educational problems, but also widespread sleep deprivation. With a later school starting time, all of these issues can be resolved.
Students need 8 ½ to 9 ½ hours of sleep per night in order to thrive both academically and physically throughout the day. However, extracurricular activities and homework get in the way. Furthermore, 6% of middle school students and around 20% of high school students fall asleep in school per day. In addition, ⅔ of high school students get less

In addition, the study found that there was a 70% decrease in the number of teen drivers involved in car crashes at Jackson Hole High School, Wyoming. Not to mention, a similar study done by Mahtomedi High School shows that 65% of car crashes involving drivers ages 16-18 has dropped. A later school starting time has resulted in reduced amounts of anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. In fact, with a later school start time, health risk behaviors such as physical fighting, physical inactivity, smoking, drinking, stimulant abuse, have all decreased.
Although most high schools in America start at 7:59 am or earlier, scientists believe school should start later. A later school starting time will prevent car accidents involving teen drivers and save somebody’s life. In conclusion, there are many benefits to school starting later, such as the advantage of achieving higher test scores, a better sleep at night, and preventing