Sleep is important for everyone’s health, but it’s particularly important for children and teenagers, whose brains are still growing. Teenagers are biologically inclined to stay up later, resulting in two-thirds of young people being seriously sleep deprived. Lack of sleep can lead to obesity, depression, smoking, drinking, lower grades, and can contribute to car crashes. To prevent these things, health experts recommend that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. School districts are not following this recommendation, however, as five out of six schools start before then. Listen to more about this ongoing public health issue.
Read MoreDebate: Should Spain Scrap the Siesta?
In Spain, Italy and other Mediterranean countries, it was a tradition to rest after the mid-day meal. The siesta was created to escape the heat of the day. Over time this has turned into a two or three hour lunch break, where errands are done or people simply continue working. However, they are expected to still work until 8 or 9 p.m. Recently, the acting Prime Minister of Spain proposed skipping the mid-day break and ending the work day at 6pm. This news has been reported in ways that highlighted negative stereotypes of Spain. Listen and debate the pros and cons of getting rid of the afternoon nap in Spain.
Read MoreDebate: Should Learning Time Extend into the Summer?
Remote schooling during the pandemic has negatively affected both the learning and the mental health of many students. As schools start to resume in-person learning, some people are suggesting that summer school could help. They argue that extending the school year would allow time for intensive programs to help students catch up academically and reconnect with teachers and peers. Summer school programs cost money, though, and require teachers to work extra hours. Listen to learn about programs that have helped struggling students in the past and then debate: Should learning time extend into the summer?
Read MoreDebate: Should Daylight Saving Time Be Permanent?
Twice a year, Americans adjust their clocks. Pushing the clocks an hour forward in the spring during daylight saving time means more light in the evening, and many Americans want to make that permanent. They say more light at night saves energy and encourages people to be active. Changing the clocks, they argue, increases fatigue and can cause accidents. Others argue that changing clocks twice a year keeps the light consistent with our natural rhythms. Those who favor holding onto standard time are concerned that dark mornings can be difficult for those going to school or work. Listen to learn about an earlier attempt to stop switching the clocks and then debate: Should daylight saving time be permanent?
Read MoreCURRENT EVENT | March 23, 2023
Clocks rule most people’s daily schedules. From waking up in the morning to eating meals and arriving at work or school, people generally feel obliged to be on time. Being late comes with consequences and is often viewed as rude. But some people object to what they see as the tyranny of the clock. They say constant attention to time detracts from their ability to immerse themselves in an activity and enjoy the moment. Listen to hear a researcher describe differences between “clock timers” and “event timers” and then debate: Should people always be on time?
Story Length: 4:49
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01/11/2023
https://app.listenwise.com/students/events/2509-debate-should-people-always-be-on-time
Classroom Discussion Themes