Maine's legislator is urging the invoice that would delay the start times of the high school

Augusta (WGME) – A Maine legislator urges the start times to delay at the state's high schools.

Senator Mattie Daughtry's law would require the high school not to start earlier than 8:30 a.m.

It would come into force in the school year 2026-2027.

According to Daughtry (D-Brunswick), research shows that students need 8.5-9 hours of sleep a night.

She says that a lack of sleep for high school children has real health risks, such as an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and drug abuse as well as ruthless driving and a higher risk of starting car accidents because they are sleepy.

“The last point is personally for me,” said Daughtry.

“I am the mother of a 16-year-old,” said Rep. Amy Roeder (D-Bangor). “It doesn't matter how early I switch off the internet, how early I switch off the data on his phone, how early I switch off the lights in the house and try to get it to sleep. His brain calmly until 11, 12.”

Opponents, including a spokesman for the Maine School Management Association, say that the law is well meant, but could have negative ripple effects, such as bus driving times for all schools.

Robbie Feinberg – Dir. From communication and government relationships me school MGMT Assocation

“A later school day also has an extra-curricular effects on the student internships, the post-school jobs and childcare,” said Robbie Feinberg, director of communication and government relationships in Maine.

Say supporters