June 3, 2002

Parents Helping Teens

Every summer there are over a million teenagers looking for a job but are indecisive on what they want to do according to the National Consumer League.

The NCL issued a list of the top five worst teen jobs of 2002 at the national teen competition, Lifesmarts, in Washington D.C.

• Delivery and other driving: including operating or riding on forklifts and other motorized equipment
• Working alone in cash-based businesses: convenience stores, gasoline stations, and fast food establishments
• Traveling youth crews: selling candy, magazine subscriptions, other consumer goods on street corners, in strange neighborhoods, distant cities, and across state lines
• Jobs where employers pay "under the table wages"
• Construction: including work in heights and contact with electrical power

"The jobs on this list should be a red flag to parents that there are safety concerns," says Debra Pankow, North Dakota State University Extension family economic specialist. "Any employment has the potential to be a great job or a dangerous one. The caution is well deserved, given that every year an estimated 200,000 youth are injured on the job and more than 100 are killed."

There are certain tips which parents can use in assisting their teens in finding the right job, Pankow says"

• Be Involved. Make decisions with your teen about what kind of work they can handle. Set limits on how many hours per week they may work. Make sure they are interested in their part-time jobs.
• Check out the job. Meet you child’s supervisor, request a tour of the facilities, and inquire about the company’s safety record. Ask about safety training, duties, and equipment being used.
• Talk and listen to your teen. Ask questions about your teen’s job. Ask teachers to give a heads-up if grades begin to slip. Frequently ask your teen what they did at work and discuss any problems or concerns.
• Watch for signs. Is the job taking a toll on your teen emotionally or physically? How is your child’s performance at school?
• Know the laws. Child labor laws exist to protect your child. Check with your state labor department for laws that may apply.

"There are safe jobs and good jobs for teens which offer them a worthwhile life experience," Pankow says. "Parents must be vigilant in working with their teenagers and their employers to ensure their child’s safety and well-being."

If you are interested in parents helping teens, contact your local extension agent or contact Debra Pankow at (701) 231-8593 for more details.

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Source: Debra Pankow, (701) 231-8593, dpankow@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Richard Mattern, (701) 231-6136, Richhard.Mattern@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: JJ Camarillo, (701) 231-8371, jcamaril@ndsuext.nodak.edu