Science Says Teens Need More Sleep. So Why Is It So Hard To Start School Later?
Despite clear scientific evidence supporting the benefits, this article discusses the challenges of implementing later school start times for teenagers. In Nashville, high school classes start as early as 7:05 a.m., with some students catching buses at 5:30 a.m. Mayor Freddie O'Connell, elected in September, is pushing to delay school start times, highlighting that adolescent brains naturally shift to a later sleep cycle due to changes in melatonin production. Obstacles to last start times include logistical and financial issues concerning school bus scheduling. In Nashville, staggered start times for different age groups are used to manage transportation resources, with high schoolers starting and ending their day earliest. Adjusting these times could strain transportation resources and increase costs, as evidenced by a case study in Collierville, Memphis, which estimated an additional $1.4 million annually for delayed starts.
Resistance also comes from parents concerned about after-school scheduling and economic needs, such as family businesses or students working part-time jobs. Surveys show that less than 40% of parents and teachers support later start times despite understanding the science behind it. State Rep. John Ray Clemmons' bill for mandating later starts failed due to these concerns and a focus on local decision-making. Researcher Kyla Wahlstrom emphasizes the importance of sleep for teenagers' academic performance and mental health. Studies show that adequate sleep reduces depression symptoms substance use, and improves family dynamics. The article highlights the complex balance between scientific evidence, logistical challenges, and community perspectives in changing school start times.