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Information for Parents and Caregivers of Teens

Teens and Work

Colleen Gengler, Extension Educator in Family Relations

More and more teens are employed. Following are considerations about teens and jobs.

Benefits

• Working can increase responsibility, self-esteem, feeling of competence and independence.
• Working teens learn life skills in managing time and money, carrying out instructions, getting along with co-workers, and adapting to workplace routines.
• Youth who work limited hours are more likely to be employed after high school.
• They have a better chance of earning higher wages after graduation.

Challenges

Often though, first jobs can be routine and lack positive interaction with adults. Teens often work in retail or service jobs earning minimum wage. Studies have found that teenagers who work more than 20 hours a week are more likely to experience detrimental effects in their school, family and personal lives.

Discussion

• Talk with teens about why they want to get a job.
• Discuss how it will affect school, other activities and responsibilities at home. Being involved with family, school and community activities is an important part of a teen’s development. Too many hours working can take away from that.
• Discuss possible jobs with your teen.
• Help think through opportunities for promotion, learning new skills and work safety.
• Ask who co-workers and supervisors will be.
• Will the supervisor respect the need to work limited hours?
• What is the policy on breaks, overtime and time off?

Also, work with your teen to set up a plan for how earnings are used. What should be saved and what can go for day to day needs and wants? In Minnesota contact the Department of Labor (DOL) regarding the type of hours of permitted for youth. Inquire about other restrictions for youth employment. Monitor the number of hours your teen works. Monitor activities before and after work hours.

To work or not to work. It’s a decision parents can help their teen consider.