AS British Columbia experiences its first winter under permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST), Vancouver Coastal Health is encouraging families, schools and communities to support health, well-being and safety especially during darker mornings.
During parts of the winter, many people, especially students and small children, may be travelling before sunrise. These darker morning commutes may discourage active travel, such as walking or biking to school, which we know have multiple benefits for child and youth wellbeing. Parents, caregivers, schools, municipalities and community partners all have a role to play in supporting safe active travel throughout the school year by:
* Improving visibility: See and be seen — pedestrians and bike riders should look up and look around, leave the phone alone, make eye contact with drivers, and shoulder check before crossing streets, turning, or changing direction; wear bright colours, use lights and reflective gear. Schools and municipalities can also address lighting around school routes.
* Supporting active school travel initiatives such as school and play streets (temporary car-free blocks near schools) and walking and bike school buses (organized groups of students who walk or bike to school together).
* Reinforcing road safety messaging, such as avoiding distracted driving, driving appropriately for the weather conditions, and staying aware of your surroundings.
* Reducing speeds particularly around shared pathways, schools, playgrounds, crosswalks, and other areas where children may be present.
Morning light plays an important role in regulating the body’s internal clock, helping support healthy sleep, alertness, learning and overall well-being. With many students and workers beginning their day before sunrise this winter, some children and youth may be more affected by darker mornings.
Healthy sleep is one of the most important ways to support well-being. Adequate sleep helps people learn, concentrate, regulate emotions, and maintain good mental and physical health.
Healthy sleep can be supported by:
* Maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake times
* Reducing screen use before bed
* Encouraging exposure to natural light during the day
Schools and communities can also help by promoting healthy sleep habits and opportunities for outdoor activity.
While winter mornings will be darker, permanent DST provides more daylight later in the afternoon and evening.
Natural light, physical activity, play and social connection are important protective factors for mental well-being. People are encouraged to make use of afternoon daylight for outdoor recreation, physical activity and community participation.
Supporting well-being — especially for students, youth and children — is a shared responsibility. By prioritizing healthy sleep, mental well-being, physical activity and safe travel, we can all help promote healthy communities.
Learn more about Vancouver Coastal Health programs and services at www.vch.ca.
