a cartoon of a girl watching TV at night, then looking tired in school

 Illustration by Dean MacAdam; Debate photos courtesy of families

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Is It OK to Stay Up Late During School Breaks?

For many kids, it’s fun to stay up late during school breaks. But experts say it’s important for kids to get enough rest. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that third-graders get 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. 

Some people think it’s OK for kids to go to bed later when school is out. They say kids can make up for it by sleeping a bit longer in the morning. Experts suggest kids go back to their regular sleep routine a few days before heading back to class.  

But others point out that kids who stay up too late may be moody. They could also be too tired to focus. 

Here’s what two of our readers say.

Getting to stay up late during breaks is a treat. It means we have more time to have fun with family and friends. My regular bedtime is 8:30 p.m. When school is out, I get to stay up 30 minutes to an hour later. But then I sleep in the next morning. That helps me catch up on my rest. Since there’s no school, kids who stay up late could also take a nap during the day.

Kids should stick to their usual sleep schedules during breaks. If not, it may be hard for us to get back on track when school starts up again. One time, I went to sleep late. I woke up late the next morning. And I missed the school bus! Without the proper amount of sleep, it can be difficult for kids to pay attention in class the next day.

What does your class think?

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