More than an “Extra Hour of Sleep”

So what is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) also known as Daylight Savings Time is a practice in which the United States, Argentina, Iran, Europe, Cuba and several other countries take part in to advance their clocks by one hour. This yearly Autumn procedure is set on the first Sunday of November (November 6th) at 2 a.m EDT and remains this way for just about four months which can also be referred to as resuming back to ‘Standard Time’. So, countries participating in DST move their clocks forward again by an hour the following spring on the second Sunday of March. 

DST on children 

Despite the fact that this shift in time may seem as simple as an “extra hour of sleep”, it has always undergone plenty of controversy and differentiated opinions of “good” and “bad”. Various perspectives that view DST as beneficial argue that Daylight Saving Time would grant small children the opportunity to have more outdoor play time. Although this may easily win over many people with children of their own, it is one of the strongest opposed arguments when it is time for the sun to rise. The number of children that are early walkers would be required to make their trips to school in the morning darkness because of the delayed hour in some countries.

Sunshine Protection Act/ Sunlight Bill 

The United States House of Representatives hears the debate. They are yet to pass the Sunshine Protection Act which was passed by the Senate on March 15, 2021. It is a bill that would no longer require the states (aside from Hawaii and Arizona) to change their clocks twice a year meaning that Daylight saving time would now become the permanent time all year. The U.S. had already tested this act before but quickly reverted back when eight children in Florida died in traffic accidents. So before this reaches President Joe Biden to sign, the House must first pass the bill.  

So, which angle should be taken on this yearly regulation?