Doctors agree: start school later

As someone who never functioned well in high school until close to lunch time, I applaud the AMA for taking the bold step (see below) of recommending later start times.  I vote for 10 a.m.  We have things to do at night!

The American Medical Association has joined the chorus of leading health organizations recommending that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m., a schedule that better allows teens to obtain healthy sleep.  In the past two years other national health groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have issued similar recommendations.

The AMA cites the compelling evidence showing that early school hours play a major role in widespread teen sleep deprivation, which, in turn, has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A multi-site study issued by the University of Minnesota found a decrease in teen car crashes after schools adopted later starting times, and other studies have shown links between chronic insufficient sleep and depression, substance use, sports injuries, and suicide. 

“I am encouraged by yet another powerful message about teen sleep and later school start times from a renowned and respected national medical organization,” states Dr. Lynn Keefe, a Florida pediatrician and Health Policy Director for Start School Later, Inc.  “Every local school board and superintendent needs to direct and lead the change to later school start times - working alongside parents and community pediatricians to raise and support healthy teens.” 

Start School Later is a nonprofit organization working to ensure school start times compatible with health, safety, education, and equity. SSL was co-founded by Maribel Cabrera Ibrahim and Terra Ziporyn Snider. With many schools starting in the 7 o’clock hour, resulting in bus pick-ups in the 5 and 6 o’clock hour, Ibrahim explains that we need more groups like the AMA speaking up for adolescent well-being.

"The AMA statement testifies to the strength of the evidence and affirms early school start times as a public health issue," says Ibrahim, who serves as SSL Operations Director. "The health benefits derived from later school start times outweigh any perceived inconvenience. The AMA's position is valuable for communities everywhere advocating for healthy and safe school schedules." 

For more information, please visit the Start School Later website at: www.startschoollater.net.