By Melody Tang
ONLINE EDITOR
March 12, the day our clocks jump forward an hour, occurred just over a week ago. However, a bill approved last year by the U.S. Senate but still awaiting action in the House of Representatives would change this ongoing tradition into past tense. Daylight savings has sparked its fair share of conversation after the possibility of its discontinuation was first announced. To gauge the beliefs held at Andover High School, we sought out staff and students to see how they were feeling.
The idea of daylight savings time (DST) was first implemented as a means of energy conservation: “springing” forward time in the summer would delay sunset by an hour, giving more light and warmth and thus conserving the usage of artificial energy like lighting and heating.
Now, many are arguing for the permanent implementation of DST.
The Sunshine Protection Act was unanimously passed a year ago by the Senate, which would have “[made] daylight saving time the new, permanent standard time, effective November 5, 2023.” The House version of the bill, however, was never introduced before the conclusion of the 117th Congress on January 3, 2023.
Whether it be a vehement belief or slight nuisance, many dislike the two time skips that occur annually. A representative from congressman Seth Moulton’s office stated that “switching between the two times can throw off our bodies’ circadian rhythm, harming both our mental and physical health.” Junior Christina Ilie echoed the statement, stating that she would get rid of the time switches completely if given the chance. “[When] it becomes dark earlier… my internal clock is thrown off,” Ilie remarked.
Some students dislike daylight savings for other reasons. Isabella Falco, a junior, mentions that daylight savings can disrupt calls she has with family members living abroad. “When you talk to family abroad and they live really far away, the difference in the difference of time zones makes it harder to find times that work for both parties to be able to talk and connect,” stated Falco. When time zones are already varied between regions, the addition of daylight savings times can make it more difficult to navigate international and even domestic communication throughout the year.
Further, travel becomes increasingly difficult when time zones are constantly fluctuating. “Time zones are already confusing enough and especially since so many more people travel internationally these days,” mentioned Falco. “It can be a hassle.”
While some cannot find validity in the time switch, others see reasoning behind the custom. Science teacher Daniel Donovan mentioned that when extending daylight by an hour in the summer, it must be taken into account that daylight also starts an hour later in the morning. This could pose a threat to those who commute to work or school, as accidents happen more-frequently in the dark. “People have to commute to work and children have to go to school,” said Donovan. He added that “some kids could be going when it’s not even dawn yet… [which is] dangerous.”
However, Donovan sympathized with those who are against the time skips, adding that “[time switches are] a bit of a pain, [and] it does take… a few days to adjust.” As a remedy, he suggested implementing a permanent time change that accommodates both sides by pushing the normal time forward 30 minutes. That way, the sun can set half an hour later while also allowing commuters more sunlight in the early morning.
Despite continuing arguments, the possibility of another law regarding daylight savings being passed continues to remain uncertain. However, both sides maintain strong rationale, with Moulton’s office stating that “there is legitimate debate amongst experts over which is better.”
