Starting school later in the day has been a topic of discussion for years. Many studies have shown that starting school later can lead to better academic performance, improved mental health, and decreased absenteeism. It is time for all public schools to make this change.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need between 8-10 hours of sleep per night. However, due to early school start times, many students are not getting enough sleep. This lack of sleep can lead to poor academic performance and increased risk-taking behaviors.

A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that starting school later led to improved mental health in students. Students reported feeling less depressed and anxious when they were able to get more sleep.

In addition, absenteeism rates have been shown to decrease when schools start later. A study conducted by the University of Minnesota found that schools that started at 8:35 am or later had a 27% decrease in absenteeism compared to schools that started earlier.

It is clear that starting school later can have numerous benefits for students. It is time for all public schools to make this change and prioritize the well-being and success of their students.

Sources:
- National Sleep Foundation: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/teens-and-sleep
- American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/edu-a0036591.pdf
- University of Minnesota: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140210081831.htm