Debate photos courtesy of families; Illustration by Pushart

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Should We Stop Changing the Clocks?

Most kids in the U.S. will soon have less time to play outside before it gets dark. That’s because daylight saving time (DST) ends on November 3. In most states, people will set their clocks back one hour. They’ll “fall back” to what’s called standard time. When DST starts again in March, people will “spring forward” by moving their clocks ahead an hour.

The sun sets later during DST, which was introduced in the U.S. in 1918. The idea was that people would rely on sunlight instead of electricity to light their homes for longer periods.

Today many people think it’s time to stop all the back-and-forth. Critics of the time change point out that Hawaii and most of Arizona are always on standard time. They argue that our bodies are used to standard time and changing the clocks can disrupt our sleep patterns.

But others like switching to DST. They say the extra daylight encourages people to be more active after work and school. Others say DST can help businesses because people stay out later.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

We don’t have DST in Hawaii. People here do just fine following standard time year-round. I don’t think other states need to switch to DST either. Changing the clocks could mess up people’s sleep. If kids don’t get enough rest, they may not do their best in class. I know I get grumpy if I don’t sleep well!

And having to change the clocks must be confusing. What if people forget? They could be late for work or school. 

It’s good to change the clocks a couple of times a year. In the fall, we gain an extra hour of sleep on the night we turn back our clocks. And in the spring, it’s nice to have extra daylight in the evening. I can play lacrosse after school when it’s still light outside. 

DST may also help save lives. Some studies have found that the number of car accidents drops during DST. That’s because drivers can see better in the evening.

What does your class think?

Should we stop changing the clocks?

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