Boyland, L., Harvey, M. W., Riggs, W., & Campbell, B. (2015). Changing school times to combat adolescent sleep deprivation: Perceptions of school stakeholders. Journal of School Public Relations, 36(1).

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Abstract

Many adolescents are chronically sleep deprived, placing them at risk for academic and other issues. Experts recommend that schools delay morning start times to allow teenagers more sleep, but communities often resist time change proposals. The purpose of this study was to examine school stakeholders’ perceptions of a time change initiative, before and after enactment. Parents and teachers (n = 1,905) were surveyed over 3 years. After implementation, participants reported higher levels of agreement with the initiative in several key areas, as compared to respondents before implementation. Practical suggestions for school communities considering later start times for adolescents are provided.

Keywords

*School administration; Sleep deprivation; Teenagers -- Health; Acting out (Psychology); Stakeholders