Message From Fraser Health: Permanent daylight saving time in BC
The following message is being shared on behalf of the Fraser Health Authority with all school communities regarding health and well-being considerations and what families can do in relation to the shift to permanent daylight saving time, or Pacific Time (PCT), in British Columbia.
Health and Well-being Considerations
• During winter months, some students who walk, bike or take transit may travel in lower-light conditions. Taking steps to improve visibility and road safety can help support safer travel to school. However, students will benefit from more daylight during after-school travel and extracurricular activities.
• Permanent daylight saving time will provide an extra hour of daylight in the afternoon, creating additional opportunities for outdoor activity, recreation and social connection.
• Many of us will start our mornings with darker skies. Reduced morning light can affect sleep, alertness and mood, particularly among adolescents, whose biological clocks naturally favour later sleep and wake times. Encouraging healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, will remain important to support learning, mental well-being, and healthy development.
What Families Can Do
Support healthy sleep and well-being by:
• Spending time outdoors during daylight hours whenever possible.
• Encouraging physical activity and social connection through after-school programs and activities.
• Maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake-up times.
• Turning off screens at least one hour before bedtime, as evening screen use can make it harder to fall asleep.
Support safe travel to and from school by:
• Helping children choose well-lit routes with sidewalks and designated crossings.
• Encouraging children to wear reflective or high-visibility clothing and use a flashlight when travelling during darker morning hours.
• Reminding children to use designated crossings, scan traffic, and make sure vehicles have stopped before crossing.
If driving:
• Use extra caution when driving near schools, crosswalks, intersections and shared pathways.
• Be aware of one's surroundings and refrain from cell phone use, make eye contact, and shoulder check before turning or changing direction.
• Travel at slow speeds and stop completely at stop signs and crosswalks.
