We need to stop overworking teens. Students are put under too much pressure and this declines mental health.  Due to the rise of overworking teens, this can lead to extreme stress. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 25% of all U.S. high school students are part of the workforce. With students working anywhere from 2-20 hours a week, on top of school, they aren’t given enough time to do they enjoy and rest. 

    It’s not fair for teens to come to school from eight in the morning to 2 or 3 pm and go straight to work which can be anywhere from 10-20 hours a week. It’s draining to go from one activity to the other with no time for yourself. According to National Consumers League, “Despite the considerable evidence working over the 20 hour limit leads to slipping grades, increased dropout rates and other behavioral problems.” 

   Why should we make it a standard for students to have a job, participate in sports and clubs as well as homework and assignments associated with school. With all these tasks to check of the to do list, teens are having to stay up late to finish finish homework when they get home from work and school. According to Insider, “Students with a part time job often end up working school nights and can work as late as 10 pm.” With this, teens tend to get less sleep, which in itself creates many problems. 

   In spite of the many disadvantages of a teen job, they can allow for unique opportunities and experiences. Having a job helps people grasp responsibility and work ethic. Jobs also can help create many useful skills and independence through money and savings. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Youth themselves think that employment helps them to develop a wide range of beneficial attributes, such as the capacity to take responsibility, develop time-management skills, overcome shyness with adults, and handle money.”

   A students success or achievement is not defined by how many hours they work. Teenagers shouldn’t have their expectations raised so much that they are impossible for them to meet. With working a part time job and being a student, teens overwork which degrades there mental health and well being.