A NorthJersey.com news report indicates a new New Jersey law will require officials to study the benefits of later start times in middle and high schools.

Under the law, the Department of Education is directed to review the impact of delaying school to 8:30 a.m. or later, as recommended last year by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and to report findings to the governor and Legislature.

The doctors’ group claims that later start times are more in line with teens’ biological sleep patterns and would be better for their grades, personal safety and health.

The study will weigh benefits, but also look at any potential problems if school started later. Some school leaders and parents have raised concerns that delays could interfere with extracurricular activities and family schedules.

View the full story at www.northjersey.com