TEENS & EMPLOYMENT

Prepared by: Rita Straub, M.S.,C.F.C.S.
Family Living Agent, University of Wisconsin Extension-Cooperative Extension

With summer vacation just ahead the opportunity to have a job and extra cash sounds very appealing to teens, both males and females. Some teens choose to have paid employment during the school year and increase their hours of work during the summer.   However, employment for teens does have consequences, some positive and some negative so consider both before choosing that job either in the summer or year around.

Parents may want to take time to discuss your teen's job and how they feel about it along with how the money earned is being used and hopefully some is saved.   An open discussion between parents and teens is suggested to keep the lines of communication open even when it may be difficult to schedule.

Research has identified some positive consequences of employment for teens: an increase in responsibility, a greater feeling of self-esteem and more independence. In addition, teens learn new job skills, increase communication skills, learn time management, and develop interpersonal skills, and network with adults to potentially obtain future more desirable jobs.

On the negative side, research has identified the need to limit employment hours during the school year to no more than 20 hours per week. A range of 10-20 hours is recommended to allow flexibility when the need for extra studying or participation in school activities occurs. Teens who work half time experience greater emotional stress, substance use and have sexual intercourse at a younger age. Work related injuries occur at nearly twice the rate of adult injuries. Based on this research the extra earnings may not ever replace the increase in the negative effects of teen employment especially working half time or more.

Saving money for their future education is a good goal to establish when a teen gets their first job. Studies indicate that many teens work to have the newest and latest "trendy" items that DO NOT contribute to their overall health or well being. Financial management experts recommend money be divided into 3 categories: 1/3 for immediate spending, 1/3 for medium range or a few months ahead and the last 1/3 saved for their future education or major purchase. This 3 part recommendation can also be applied to an allowance for a children and teens of all ages because it teaching lifelong financial management skills.

Parents can make a positive difference in the discussions and decisions related to teen employment. Ideally, if a teen can get employment related to the area(s) they are considering for their post secondary education or future employment the experience and skills learned could help with making an informed decision.

Some area for teens and parents to discuss and monitor when a teen is employed include: asking the teen about working conditions and safe procedures, obtain information on the state's regulations regarding teen employment (recommended prior to being employed), monitor actual hours worked verses scheduled hours, working late arrangements and business is closed for the evening if that is part of the responsibility and any other details to be available in a positive way.   Parents need to trust and respect their teen and still be available to assist appropriately.

For more information on this topic or other family living topics contact me at 715-261-1242 or  e-mail me rita.straub@ces.uwex.edu

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