New California Law Pushes School Start Time To 8:30

Do you hate waking up in the morning? You’re not alone.

Many high school students are getting up at six or earlier in order to get ready for school. Most teenagers don’t fall asleep in till around 11:00 pm, meaning that most teenagers get only 7 hours of sleep. Students need at least eight hours of sleep to properly function.

Students who don’t receive enough sleep have decreased brain power and an increased chance of mood disorders. They are also at increased risk for obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

That’s part of the reason why California governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law this weekend, prohibiting public high schools from starting class before 8:30. The law is set to go in effect by 2022.

We asked a hundred students to share their thoughts on the idea of a later start time for school. While students were somewhat split on the idea, 56% of Eastside students said that they’d prefer a school day that starts at 8:30 and ends at 3:46.

“I wake up as early as 5 a.m,” explains Eastside student Natasha. “And I feel exhausted by the time I get home.”

Starting school later will allow teens to wake up naturally and will help improve student learning. Teens who are tired can’t learn at their best.

“I don’t think everyone is even fully awake at 7:30 in the morning,” says Eastside student Samantha Valencia. “It’s too early and lots of students are too tired to work and concentrate the first period.”

Jessica agrees. “If school was to start later, I think I’d focus more in class in the mornings and have more energy.”

This piece was co-written by Estevan Martinez of The Eastside Times and has been updated to reflect new political developments.