Later, Why Do Later School Start Later?

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Pages: 5

The School Start Time Debate

Sleep deprivation and raging hormones on a groggy morning: An average school morning for most teenagers who must get up at the crack of dawn. For these sleep-deprived teenagers, school start times are being debated to find a solution to their lack of sleep, which affects their mental and physical wellbeing. One claim about the positive effects on teens of later school start times is presented by sleep researcher, Wendy Troxel, in the TedTalk, “Why schools should start later.” On the contrary, the article, “Later School Start Times More Popular, But What Are the Drawbacks” by writer, Tim Walker, presents the logical issues for families of later school start times. Similarly, these sources back up their arguments
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Wendy Troxel, however, advocates for teenagers’ sleep in her TedTalk, “Why schools should start later.” As a parent and a sleep researcher, she understands the struggle of getting her teenager up at early times and how it can also negatively affect teenagers’ health. An epidemic rise in sleep deprivation is following teens, among many contributing factors, early school start times are a major factor. Troxel provides statistics on teens and their sleep, as well as the effects it has on their mental health and academics. Troxel addresses the logistical issues of changing school times, but her stance remains on advocating for teenagers’ sleep. Furthermore, Tim Walker, article writer of "Later School Start Times More Popular, But What Are the Drawbacks,” gives evidence for both sides of the argument about school start times. However, he provides a stronger argument as to why schools should keep their early days. His reasoning includes the effects later school start times have on families, extracurriculars, and school staff. By providing personal accounts of families, he backs up his argument, similar to the evidence presented in the …show more content…
Walker presents his persuasive and informative argument through citations and personal accounts. In the article, it states “’This new time may benefit teenagers, but it does not accommodate the lifestyles of single-parent families, families with multiple children who attend different schools, and families where both parents work’” (Walker 28). Walker provides this personal stance from a parent who experiences the effects of later school start times to back up his reasoning. Using this personal account from a parent, Walker persuades his audience about later start times and informs them of the struggles that parents face as a