Deputies together with the Ministry of health, the Ministry of Education and Science, representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office and sleep specialists discussed the child’s right to a full-fledged sleep and the start time of education in educational institutions.
“We believe that we should continue to talk about it in order to find the best solutions for children’s right to a full sleep and also education,” says the chairperson of the commission, Leila rasim (P).
She notes that currently, Latvian schools themselves determine what time the first lesson starts for children, but, for example, in Lithuania or Estonia, legislation stipulates that lessons cannot start earlier than 8 o’clock.
Marta Celmiņa, a sleep specialist at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, emphasized to the members of the commission that young people accumulate a very strong sleep “debt” during the week, which is impossible to “sleep in” on holidays. She expressed that, when talking about the start time of classes, the opinion of not only adults, but also the children themselves, should be taken into account. According to him, society has little understanding of how young people themselves feel. Celmiņa has explained that the physiological, social and psychological characteristics of teenagers make them go to bed much later.
At the same time, celmiņa emphasized that because of early school mornings, teenagers sleep far too little, which can have both short-term and long-term consequences for health, academic achievements and potential. The specialist indicated that classes should not start earlier than 8.30 am.
A later start of classes has beneficial effects on the health of young people, and also solves many other problems, for example, it reduces the use of addictive substances and road traffic accidents, noted Celmiņa.
Conversely, the representatives of the Ministries of Health and Education in the commission said that a complex solution should be sought, as there are many people involved in this issue - both parents, municipalities, interest-based educational institutions and others.
The World Health Organization has indicated that children between the ages of five and 18 need an average of ten hours of sleep.
it has already been reported that the ombudsman Juris Jansons has called on the government until March 31 next year to determine that lessons, consultations, and optional lessons in schools cannot start earlier than 8 a.m.
The ombudsman believes that such changes have so far been prevented by the lack of understanding of the impact of a full-fledged sleep on the child’s health, growth and behavior, including in the responsible ministries.
In Janson’s view, the preferred scenario would be for elementary school classes to start at 8:30 a.m., and in secondary schools – from 9 a.m.At the moment, the state does not set the start time for educational institutions, so schools have freedom of action in this matter, the ombudsman notes.
This issue has come to the attention of the Ombudsman for the second time. Already in 2017,the ombudsman appealed to the two responsible ministries and called on educational institutions to determine the earliest permissible time for the beginning of lessons.
How can individuals lead lasting practices in thier daily lives to support environmental causes?
certainly! Here’s a fictional and engaging interview featuring a character named Tim. Let’s say Tim is a passionate environmentalist and community organizer. The interviewer is a journalist named Sarah.
Interviewer: Good morning, Tim! Thank you for sitting down with me today. You’ve been making quite an impact in your community as an environmental advocate. What sparked your passion for environmental issues?
tim: Good morning, Sarah! Thanks for having me. I’ve always loved the outdoors—hiking, camping, and just being in nature. But it was really during a summer project in college when I saw the effects of pollution firsthand.The streams were filled with plastic, and wildlife was suffering. That experience ignited a fire in me to make a change.
Interviewer: That’s incredible. It’s often said that personal experiences can drive our passions. What specific changes have you implemented in your community that you’re especially proud of?
Tim: One of our biggest successes was the “Clean Streets, Green Future” initiative. We organized community clean-up events and transformed neglected lots into community gardens.We also started a recycling education program in local schools. Seeing kids get excited about sustainability has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Interviewer: That sounds amazing! Engaging the younger generation is crucial.What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced while trying to promote these initiatives?
Tim: Great question.I’d say the biggest challenge is changing mindsets. Many peopel are set in their ways or skeptical about climate change. It’s about finding common ground and showing how sustainability benefits everyone—like reducing waste saves money, or having green spaces improves mental health.
Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense. What strategies have you found effective in reaching skeptics?
Tim: Storytelling is key. I try to share real-life examples of positive impacts—as a notable exmaple, how a local park improved property values or health benefits from cleaner air. Personal stories resonate better than statistics alone. People connect with emotions and experiences more than just numbers.
Interviewer: Absolutely, connecting on that human level is vital. What role do you think local governments play in supporting environmental initiatives?
Tim: Local governments can be game-changers! They have the resources to promote sustainable policies, from incentivizing renewable energy to improving public transportation. When they partner with grassroots organizations, it amplifies our impact. But it’s essential for citizens to engage with their local officials to push for these changes.
Interviewer: Speaking of engagement, how can individuals contribute to environmental efforts on a personal level?
Tim: There are so many ways! Start small—reduce waste by using reusable products, support local farmers, or volunteer for clean-up events. Educating yourself about sustainable practices is vital. And remember,every little bit counts. Collective effort can lead to notable change!
Interviewer: That’s empowering, Tim. Before we wrap up, what’s your hope for the future of your community in terms of environmental sustainability?
Tim: My hope is that we create a culture of sustainability, where every person feels empowered to take part. I envision a community where green spaces flourish, pollution is minimized, and everyone understands their role in protecting our planet. I believe we can make this vision a reality together.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Tim! Your passion is truly inspiring, and I’m excited to see how your work will continue to impact the community.
Tim: Thank you, Sarah! I appreciate the chance to share my journey. Together, we can all make a difference.
This interview highlights Tim’s passion and dedication while providing insights into community engagement and environmental activism.