This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Start high school later

Wed., May 18, 2016

Medical studies have shown that teenagers need at least as much or more sleep as younger children. As children become teenagers, they go to bed later and wake up later for physiologic reasons. Adolescents can’t fall asleep earlier simply by going to bed earlier.

Requiring early school start times leaves many high school students chronically sleep deprived. I am a high school student and I don’t want the state to add another hour on to the school day because that isn’t what I need.

If test scores need to be better then start school later; adding more hours to school won’t be as effective as simply starting school later. Elementary school and high school start times should be switched.

Jonathan Baird

Spokane

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

No more than 250 words
We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form: Submit your letter here
Mail: Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: letters@spokesman.com
Fax: (509) 459-5098
Phone: (509) 459-5403