According to the National Center for Education Statistics, high schools across the United States, on average, begin classes at 8 am. However, in the fall of 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a report recommending a start time no earlier than 8:30 am. The Academy noted several benefits, including decreased rates of obesity and depression and increased academic performance and quality of life.

Furthermore, as demonstrated by several studies and noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, students in high schools with later start times exhibited increased wellness, including a decrease in drowsiness, improved concentration, and a decline in behavior problems and truancy. Surprisingly, positive effects were seen with as little as a 30-minute start time delay, and contrary to what one might think, student bedtimes showed no significant change. 

Alarmingly, a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation, states “There is substantial evidence that lack of sleep is a significant factor in motor vehicle crashes experienced by teenage drivers." Furthermore, a 2008 study found that car crashes involving teen drivers decreased by more than 16% in the two years following a one-hour delay in school start time. Allowing teenagers to sleep for an extra hour or more could save lives.

Early school start times are doing teens a disservice. Michigan high schools should delay start times to 8:30 am or later to improve students' mental and physical health, safety, and academic performance.