Will Maine Impose A Mandatory Later Start Time for High Schools?

Remember the good old days of school?

I remember being in grade school and it was such a big deal to us as we were transitioning into middle school, that we'd have to be there an hour earlier than we were accustomed to. I never really thought much of it when the change came. Other than I hated the idea of having to get up any earlier. Even at a young age, I hated getting up.

Not much has changed, except that these days I get out of bed so early every day, that it's kind of changed how I appreciate the daytime in general. And I also sleep so badly most of the time now, that I get up when most people are just going to bed hafl the time. But a lot of folks think high school kids need more sleep, so the state is stepping in.

The science backs it up.

There have been plenty of studies done, and overwhelmingly it's obvious that teens run on a different schedule than the rest of us. So a few state lawmakers are trying to intervene, hoping to give Maine high school students the best chance at succeeding. It would make sense in some ways if all the kids went to school at the same time, but some were quick to point how it could have an adverse impact as well, according to WGME.

It could create challenges for parents who already have a tight schedule. It would most certainly have an impact on busses and routes. Not to mention it could really change things for after-school activities as well. So there may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. There are a lot of moving parts that will have to be figured out, for sure. And not all parents love the idea, thinking kids need to be taught to just suck it up.

Hard to say who's right or who's wrong, and there's a way to go until a decision is made. If it does ultimately pass, it won't take place until the 2024-2025 school year.

Maine has gone viral a bunch of times. Here's a few...