A recent study revealed a concerning correlation between long commute times and increased rates of depression and anxiety among Japanese high school students.

A Nihon University research team's findings underscore the necessity of parents and educators considering travel time when helping students choose schools.

Of approximately 2,000 students surveyed, 17.3 percent exhibited depressive symptoms and 19 percent exhibited anxiety symptoms. All students attend private high schools in the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Tohoku region. 

High schoolers with commute times exceeding one hour were 1.6 times more likely to experience depression and 1.5 times more likely to experience anxiety compared to those with shorter commutes.

Approximately 30 percent of students reported that it took them more than an hour to travel to school.

“Parents need to explore alternative transportation options or consider schools with shorter commute times,” said associate professor Yuichiro Otsuka, a public health specialist who led the study.

Co-researcher Suguru Nakajima also urged students and parents to consider the potential impact of travel time on mental health when deciding on a school.

SOCIAL JET LAG AND ADULTHOOD 

Otsuka outlined three primary reasons for the link between traveling to a far-off school and mental health issues.

Commuting can be a physically and emotionally demanding experience, with long walks or bike rides preceding having to navigate crowded public transportation increasing the stress and discomfort.

Additionally, sinking hours just to get to and from school can significantly reduce the time for studying, extracurricular activities and socializing with friends.

Finally, earlier starts and less sleep on weekdays that result in staying up late and catching up sleep during the weekend can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to social jet lag.

This is particularly common during adolescence, when the body's natural sleep-wake cycle tends to shift toward later hours.

Previously, there was limited research in Japan exploring the connection between commute duration and mental health.

Experts say psychological problems during adolescence can lead to the development of mental disorders in adulthood and have also been linked to violence and suicide.

A 2020 survey conducted by the NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute found that the average commute time for Japanese high school students was one hour and 21 minutes. 

“Schools could implement measures to reduce the burden on students, such as limiting commute times, increasing the use of online learning or delaying start times,” said Otsuka, who had a lengthy commute himself during his high school years.

Some private schools already have restrictions on travel times by requiring students to live within a specific distance—for example, within 90 minutes commute-wise. 

In the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement in 2014 recommending that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. to promote adolescent health.

California has since enacted a law requiring middle schools to start no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m.