With the amount of money spent by teens, most parentsexpect them to earn their own cash. Although part-time jobs do develop moneymanagement skills and responsibility in teenagers, they can be dangerous to ateen's health and safety.

Teens with part-time jobs are at risk of leadingunhealthy lives. A study done by the National Research Council and Institute ofMedicine has shown that teens who work 20 hours a week often get less sleep andexercise than those who don't work. This can lead to lower grades. Teens who workmore than 20 hours a week are also more likely to use alcohol.

Part-timejobs can also jeopardize the safety of youth. The U.S. Department of Laborreports that 100,000 teens visit an emergency room annually for treatment ofjob-related injuries. With insufficient training and inexperience causing mostinjuries.

Part-time jobs do have rewards, but can be hazardous to teens.Working fewer hours a week could help teens maintain a normal lifestyle andprevent them from being injured. Adolescents should not be discouraged fromhaving part-time jobs, but working less would benefit not only teens, but alsoAmerica.