Starting the day early can boost productivity. However, for children and especially teenagers, starting school too early can actually pose health risks. Beyond raising the risk of obesity, teenagers that don’t get enough sleep may develop learning difficulties and even symptoms of depression.

Health Effects of Starting School Too Early

Building the habit of waking up early is a positive value to teach children. Besides boosting productivity, getting an early start can help them accomplish more without rushing.

That said, these benefits only apply if children are getting adequate sleep. When kids wake up very early and become sleep-deprived, their risk of various health problems rises. In other words, the effects of starting school too early can be harmful if sleep needs aren’t met.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 13 to 18 years old teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep each day. Teenagers who fall short are at higher risk for:

• Being overweight

• Low levels of physical activity

• Symptoms of depression

• Declines in school performance

• Unhealthy behaviors such as drinking alcohol, smoking, or drug use

If students must start school very early, they may arrive already short on sleep, which can lead to multiple negative consequences, including a decline in their academic achievements at schools.

Can this be solved by moving bedtime earlier? As noted by Verywell Family, while that seems logical, it’s often difficult to implement in practice.

During puberty, teenagers undergo shifts in their biological clocks that differ from those of younger children. Hormonal changes make it hard for teens to fall asleep early, even when they feel tired. So many teenagers go to bed later and find waking up in the morning more challenging.

When Is the Ideal Time to Start School?

There isn’t a single universal standard for the “best” school start time. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning the school day a bit later, around 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.

This timing considers teenagers’ sleep needs so they arrive at school more rested. Of course, practical factors vary by country, including transportation options, traffic, after-school activities, and more.

What Can Parents Do?

In Indonesia, many schools start around 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. To help children get enough sleep, parents can focus on ensuring consistent, quality rest.

You might not be able to force an earlier bedtime, but you can teach teens to avoid phones and other electronic devices at least 60 minutes before bed and to dim the lights in the evening. These steps can help them fall asleep more easily and sleep more restful.

Everyone needs sufficient sleep to function well each day. If you or your teenager is dealing with sleep problems, consult a doctor through the AiCare app. Download the AiCare app from the Play Store or App Store.

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