On November 3rd of this year, daylight savings time will end in the United States for most states, moving everyone an hour behind until it moves forward in spring. Despite this tradition being around for over 100 years, it is something we should get rid of.
The first daylight savings in the US was in 1918 in order to help preserve fuel for the effort in World War One. It was made permanent, still for preserving fuel, in the 1960s.
Some people support keeping this tradition, such as WJPS teacher Ms. Papazoglou. She said, “I don’t think so because although it gets dark, it forces people to be at home and enjoy family time.”
However, the cons of keeping daylight savings outweigh the pros. When people lose an hour of sleep, they tend to get tired easier and are more prone to mistakes. This is why studies show an increase in the amount of car accidents and headaches when we make the switch.
WJPS sixth grader Juniper Chan agreed with this sentiment, saying, “We should get rid of it because we don’t get enough sleep and I find it annoying.”
Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, have already stopped observing daylight savings. It’s time the whole country does the same and stops this practice which is a relic of over a hundred years ago.
WJPS sixth grader Abigail Datus said, “I don’t think we should get rid of daylight savings because it lets students sleep in.”
WJPS teacher Ms. Mitsiadis said, “I don’t think we should get rid of it because people shouldn’t get to work and leave work in the dark.”
