Should teens work while they are in high school?

No they should not! Their only task is to learn.

I worked 20 hours a week in High School and kept a 3.5 GPA and played on the Tennis Team and stayed active in Scouts. So no there is no problem with High School students working a part time job for their money. I had to work in order to drive as my parents would not pay for my insurance so it was either work or walk...AND it did not kill me.

I think if a student keeps their grades up, and doesn't work too many hours, or late into the night, that there is nothing wrong with it. I think it teaches them how to interact in the real world, how to be responsible, and also teaches them how to prioritize their time, energy, and money. I don't think it's ideal for all students though, but some seem more mature and are able to handle it better. Also, many colleges look at this, and also volunteering, as a plus. Some kids come from underpriviledged families and the extra money is needed to help them get by.

Yes I believe teens should work if their wants are above their needs. Parents shoul provide what a child needs - but if the child wants a specific brand of shoes, pants, etc... then they should have to come up with the extra money. It also teaches them responsibility. They shouldn't work so much that they neglect their school work, but they need to be taught that not everything will be given to them.

If a teen feels ready to work and wants or needs the money for any reason, I don't see a problem with them working. I was personally already too shy to find a job by my high school years, unfortunately. It probably would have done me good to have gotten out into the job market at that time. But I didn't manage to. If having a job seriously starts to impact the child's grades or is wearing them out too much physically, then maybe they should wait. But otherwise, if they are ready, I say they should go for it! ^_^

If they can handle it with everything else they are doing then yes. They need to be able to handle their school work and other activities as well. It can do nothing but teach them the value of a dollar and some great responsibility. There are also some students that may be able to pick up a marketable skill if they can work. Since all students are not going to go to college, preparing for the real world with a job could be a great idea. Overall it it should be looked at on a case to case basis, but it is not at all a bad idea.

I think it depends on the child. My eldest son works for McDonald's while he is going to high school. He is saving up for a car for when he goes to college. But I think it takes time away from his studies. But his grades have not suffered. My daughter on the other hand, does not want to work while she is in high school. She says that she wants to work during the summer. But she concentrates on studying so much, she fears that she would not be able to keep up her grades. So...I think it depends on the child and what their stress level is.

I worked 15-20 hours a week during my last 2 years of high school and maintained good grades. I think that it depends on the kid and their grades. Education must come first, and schoolwork should be the priority. If the teen needs to spend extra time on studies to get good grades, it may not be a great idea for them to work. The same is true if they are heavily into sports or other activities that require a time commitment. I think it's good for teens to work just because it gives them a taste of what is expected in the "real" world. They will develop people skills and communication skills, learn to be more responsible, and learn to manage money. I loved having my own money as a teenager!

I definately think teens should work if they can. It teaches them alot about life. I do think that parents need to make sure that school work is a priority though. I started babysitting when I was 12. From then on I bought all my clothes and shoes, etc. with my own money. I had a bank account from 4th grade. We learned about money and banks and a representative of our local savings bank came into school. We were all able to open our first savings accounts and would turn in weekly amounts with deposit slips to our teacher. She would in turn bring them to the bank. I thought that was really neat. I also had other jobs as a teen. I cleaned horse stalls at a stable for free lessons. I worked in my friends sandwich shop when I was 14 to 16 on weekends for a few hours a week. That was more for spending money. We would get paid at the end of our shift and then go spend it at the mall...lol

What is the difference between having to do chores and having a job after school? My 5 boys had "jobs" whether they wanted them or not! They had to help me all the time. We had/have livestock to feed and water. There was the endless chore of cleaning out stalls. They would be up a night calving with me when I needed help. It taught them alot. The #1 thing is that you the teenager do not come first. There are other living breathing creatures on this earth that rely on you. That creates #2 Responsibility. If they did not do it they had to make other arrangements which taught them #3 Planning! Which prompted #4 Common Sense: how is this going to work if I am not here? #5 You don't always get what you want because sometimes it is just not feasible. #6 Hence we come to the work ethic.....can't just bail on your job just because you feel like it. #7 Satisfaction of a Job well done!! #8 Mom and Dad,since we were the employers, hand you your paycheque with a huge smile and a pat on the back. Oh gosh I forgot #9 Time management...had to work and have time for homework as well. I am sooooo proud of my boys!!

I babysat for relatives and neighbors, starting at age 11. At 15, I did volunteer work at a nursing home. As soon as I turned 16, they hired me on. I got good grades in high school. I bought my own clothes, car, license plates, etc. I loved the independent feeling! I could use my OWN money to buy birthday and Christmas gifts for others. My parents got a little extravagant with my gifts, since I was doing so much on my own already. I know no cons of teens working, unless of course their grades are not good.

My son started working at 12, he was a hockey referee, he learned how to handle himself in the face of intimidating adults and control a sitution. Today he is in the Navy, he is the picture or diplomacy. These are skills he learned as a ref. He learned the value of a buck due to it. I remember that year I took him to Radio City for the Christmas show, he liked something and I was going to buy it for him, I told him to find out how much it was, he came back and told me it was $10 and that was too much money. 3 months earlier, he would thought nothing of buying this with my money. Earlier that year, for the summer he wanted me to buy hi some shorts that were $60 a pair, I was a single Mom who could not afford it, and said no. He said, he only wanted that one pair. I took him to Wal-mart, where he would not even try on the shorts, he wore jeans all summer. The summer after he worked, the same shorts that were $60 a pair, were 20 at a flea market, I said I would buy him a pair, he said no, the ones at Wal-mart were fine. Working was the best thing he did, he saved a few thousand dollars but spent that much, he was generous, he always bought nice CHristmas gifts with his own money, at least until he got a car.

I think this is ok if the teen isn't getting behind in schoolwork and thats what they want. I think the education should come first though. If they can manage both, then its not a problem. Work will teach them more responsability and will help them get a better job later on.

As long as they can keep up with their school work, I see no problem. In fact, I think it's a great thing to do...teaches a kid responsibility and that life isnt' always easy..I mean having to prioritize and all. I would much rather see a 17 year old with a job than just sitting home playing video games. My nephew has been working at a fast food place since he was 16...he is about to turn 18. He goes after school and still has a social life playing soccer and all. He has worked his way up in this job to shift manager. he has made money to buy the things he wants and a used car. He loves working and he still does great at school.

With the workload and high expectations that teenagers face these days, I would say that it's best for them to concentrate on their studies and worry about working later on. If they're working and studying at the same time it could prove to be a big mistake if their marks are below average and they don't end up getting into the university that they want to. I think if the teenager wants to try and swing school with work at the same time than it should be allowed, but I certainly don't think it should be forced on them.

Normally, students must be left to concentrateon their studies, however; having the experience of working for someone is also a great contributing factor for the students to appreciate budgetting and responsibility. There are summer jobs that students can get into while away from school, this is I guess the best exposure for High School students to get to work.

not good. see first is the carrier one has to build up. if he / she starts working earlier, they will not succeed in his / her goal. ya, if it is family buder, then one can think. if your parents is well and good do not waste your time and concentrate your study.

I worked in a small supermarket just helping to keep it clean and the shelves where correctly filled, everything in date order ect! It never did me any harm.. Infact it taught me a little independance. I was glad of the few hours work a week too, never hurt me one little bit. That money psid for me to go ice-skatting and I had a horse to keep. So the responsibility did me the world of good Lynn-Marie

i think if it not bother their study,why not?it will increase their experiences to look in the reality life.and they should accept a new one that will be right or wrong for them.

Teenagers should be allowed to work, as long as it is legit. Us teenagers should not automatically be discriminated from recieving hard earned cash. This does not make us pros and cons.