By George Anderson
The number of teenagers working part-time jobs has fallen to its lowest level since such statistics started being tracked.
According to a report by USA Today, the percentage of kids between 16 and 19 working was 44 percent in 2004. The highest level of employment came in July when 54 percent of those in the age group had a job.
The reason for more kids not working outside the home is often attributed to the increased demands on their time posed by academic and extracurricular activities.
Surprisingly, those teens who would seem most in need of a job are not employed. USA Today concluded that the decrease in teenagers working "was much more pronounced among kids from families whose income ranks in the bottom quarter than those from the highest."
Another reason given for fewer teenagers being employed in the workforce is that more adults, primarily in two groups - those without high school diplomas and senior citizens - are increasingly competing for the same jobs as teens.
Moderator's Comment: How is the decrease in the percentage of teenage workers affecting the retailing and foodservice business? Do you see the trend for fewer teens in the workforce as a positive or negative for the industry? - George Anderson - Moderator