NOOO! How can it be time to get up already! Please quiet down alarm clock! Every morning it gets a little more difficult to get up. The sound of the alarm triggers you and the idea that at exactly eight in the morning someone would be there to question you on uniform, footwear, and whether or not you did your homework. Could it get any worse?
I believe we’re all sick of fighting the urge to sleep in every morning. It’s important for schools to begin later in the day for a few good reasons.
Teenagers usually need more sleep than younger kids and adults. This is not just a phrase thrown out by teenagers seeking sympathy from adults. According to pediatrician, Michael Crocetti, on hopkinsmedicine.org, “teens need 9 to 9 ½ hours of sleep per night- that’s an hour or more more than they needed at age 10…Teenagers are going through a second developmental stage of cognitive maturation.”
When schools start early, many students don’t get enough sleep. This lack of sleep can lead to a bunch of problems like lower grades, a hard time concentrating, and even more emotional stress. If school starts later, teenagers can follow their natural sleep patterns. In turn, they get the adequate amount of time needed. This could lead to students feeling more awake, focused, and emotionally balanced.
Some think starting school later is good for teens because it matches their natural sleep patterns, which studies show how it can better mental health. On the other hand, Vice Principal James Papcun believes it’s important for students to learn discipline and punctuality. He sees the pros and cons, especially for students with caregiving responsibilities.
“I do not believe it is beneficial because getting up, getting ready and being on time is a part of life,” said Papcun. “The whole point of us being in this academic institution is to prepare you guys for your next stage in life.”
There are circumstances that do not involve sleep or mental health where students would benefit from a later start time and it is unfortunate that school can not accommodate them.
“Some students have to take care of younger siblings and take them to school,” said Papcun. “If we did have a later start time they would be able to take care of that and still be here on time; there are pros and cons to it all. ”
While the facts show that students would greatly benefit from a later start time, the reality is that real life is never delayed. Maybe the real solution is to listen to the advice I’ve received many times and learn time management. Your future college class will not wait for you and neither will your future job.
