The governor’s task force addressing teen suicide is dealing with a complex subject, but one viable recommendation is that high schools start no earlier than 9 a.m. With high schools starting early affects the body clocks in teens. The resulting sleep deprivation makes adolescents more likely to be depressed and seriously consider suicide. Opponents of delaying start times will cite issues with bus costs and after-school activities, but if lawmakers are serious about slowing Utah’s suicide rate, they will follow school districts in more than 21 other states and prioritize teen health over those issues.
Besides increased mental health, ensuring adequate sleep for adolescents will also improve their physical health and academic performance which positively affects their mental health as well. As a high school teacher, I know that students are walking zombies until about 9 a.m., so let’s wait until then to begin and stop our suicides from soaring.
Michelle Hawkins, Salt Lake City