August 2001

Adolescents and Work

In today's American society, it has become common for teens to hold part-time jobs during non-school hours. In fact, one recent study found that nearly eighty percent of high school students had worked at some point before high school graduation. Reasons for the increasing rates of youth entering the workforce in recent decades include the rise in the retail and service sectors of the economy and the increasing cost of living. Jobs commonly held by youth include yard worker, retail salesperson and restaurant worker.

Although it is widely believed that having a job builds character in young people, research indicates that employment does not necessarily lead to healthy social or moral development. This is especially true when a young person's very first experience in the work force involves stress, long hours, and menial tasks. Most jobs held by youth do not provide many opportunities for youth to think creatively or to solve challenging problems or make independent decisions.

Further, adolescent jobs are highly reflective of gender stereotypes. For example, adolescents who work as maids and babysitters are almost always female, while adolescent yard workers and laborers are usually male. Research indicates that adolescent boys earn higher hourly wages and work longer hours than adolescent girls.

Employed youth often work in atmospheres where they come into frequent contact with other youth as customers and co-workers, but where they do not have many chances to learn from adults or to develop healthy relationships with adult role-models. In addition, research has shown that earning an independent income does not mean that youth are learning to use their money wisely. In fact, their personal income may provide working adolescents with greater opportunities to purchase alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.

There can be benefits to adolescent employment, however. Several conditions of employment can help youth learn responsibility. One of these conditions is when the teen's work makes a genuine difference for their household, as when earnings are used to purchase food or other family needs.

Employment can also provide opportunities for youth to learn specific job skills, save money for college, develop trusting and healthy relationships with non-family adults, and experience feelings of reward and intellectual stimulation. The determining factors are the type of job an adolescent takes, and the number of hours worked. The job should be meaningful to the teen in some genuine way, and it should not interfere with time needed for schoolwork or family interaction. Teenagers' needs for adequate nutrition, exercise and rest should not be compromised by a job.

Making the most of youth employment

Do you know a teen that is looking for a job? If so, you can help to make the experience a good one by encouraging the teen to ask questions before accepting a job offer.

Teens should look for a job that will be challenging, interesting, and that will provide them with opportunities to use the skills they have and learn new ones. The job atmosphere should be supervised by an adult and should allow the adolescent to come into frequent contact with healthy adult role models.

Finally, talk to the teen about whether the job will allow them to have a sense of balance between work, family, school and leisure time. If a suitable job cannot be found, encourage the teen to look for community service or volunteer opportunities instead of a paying job, if possible.

What can parents of working teens do?

• Ask questions about your teen's work experiences and listen to their responses.

• Watch for changes in grades, attitudes, or behaviors.

• Guide youth in their money management decisions and encourage them to save; monitor spending if necessary.

• Limit working hours; youth need 8-9 hours of sleep per night.

Tips for community businesses that employ youth

Employers who hire youth can help make the work experience more productive for their business as well as for the adolescent employee. Here are suggestions:

• Provide opportunities for youth workers to interact with adults. Make sure there is always at least one supervising adult available when youth are on duty.

• Ensure safe working conditions and do not over-schedule youth workers.

• Ask youth workers for ideas on how to solve problems or increase productivity. Implement their suggestions when appropriate.

• As youth workers master the tasks of a job, seek new ways to make the position more stimulating, challenging, and creative. Involve them in decision-making where appropriate.

• Pay a competitive wage.

Sources:

• Greenberger, E. & Steinberg, L. (1983). Sex differences in early work experience: Harbinger of things to come? Social Forces, 62, 467-486.

• Mortimer et al.(1996). Part-time work and occupational value formation in adolescence. Social Forces, 74, 1405-1418.

• Steinberg, L. (1999). Adolescence (5th Ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

This issue of “Ups & Downs” was contributed by Rosalie Bakken, Ph.D., Adolescent Development Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“Ups & Downs” is edited by Rosalie Bakken and co-edited by Stephen Russell, Ph.D., 4-H Youth Development Specialist, University of California-Davis.