A recent NPR report highlights that nearly a quarter of teens are sleeping five hours or less per night, with the majority getting under eight hours. The article argues that screens are not the primary cause of this sleep deprivation. Instead, it points to other factors contributing to this trend among adolescents.
Key Points
- Nearly 25% of teens sleep 5 hours or fewer per night.
- Most teens get less than the recommended 8 hours of sleep.
- Screens are not identified as the main reason for reduced sleep.
Implications for Educational Freedom
This sleep deprivation in teens could impact academic performance and well-being, underscoring the need for school choice options like flexible charters or ESAs that allow parents to select schools with later start times or reduced stress environments. Empowering parents through educational freedom may help address such issues by enabling customized learning schedules that prioritize student health.
Source: Teens Are Sleeping Less Than Ever. Screens Aren’t to Blame.
