Adolescence is characterized by various changes, including teenagers’ desire for more independence. Working might become a priority during this stage, as teens often take on financial responsibilities such as paying for dates, hobbies, gas, and car insurance. Some teens also contribute financially to their household to help make ends meet.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Committee on the Health and Safety of Child Labor states that having a paying job at some point during high school has become almost universal. Some youths start working informally around age 12 by taking on odd jobs and babysitting. By age 16, adolescents are more likely to have formal employment with regular hours. However, working has specific pros and cons that families need to consider, especially if kids want to work during the school year.

The Pros

The main appeal of adolescent employment is the chance for financial independence. Having a job allows teens to earn their own money, which they can spend on their own interests or save for future needs. This might be the first time teens learn about managing money and taking financial responsibility. Another benefit is that teens can gain work experience, helping them develop essential skills such as time management, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. High school jobs can enhance students’ professional résumés and future job prospects, and they also look good on college applications. Working also gives teens something to do, which helps avoid boredom and keeps them out of trouble.

The Cons

Although there are many benefits to working during adolescence, there are also some drawbacks. Working can harm academic performance, especially when teens work too many hours each week. Choosing work over studying and homework may result in lower grades. Long hours at work can also interfere with the eight to 12 hours of sleep that most adolescents need to perform well. Jobs can also demand a lot of time, which may reduce the hours available for other activities. Many students face a choice between employment and extracurricular activities, as both demand significant time commitments. Taking on a job can increase stress and burnout for teens struggling to balance their responsibilities. Work creates a Catch-22 where teens need money to socialize but then have less time to do so. Many teens also hold tedious jobs that can leave a negative impression of their work ethic. According to data from ASCD®, a global leader in professional learning resources, research shows that most jobs held by high school students do not teach skills that lead to career growth. It might be better to wait to find a job with more substance.

Families must decide whether a part-time job is suitable for a student during the school year.