Gene Russo, an expert in labor relations says that many kids feel pressured to work longer hours at work and as a result, grades suffer. Eighteen year-old John gave into the pressure and demands of work. He quit high school to work full time. John says kids are enticed by the money. John earns a decent living but he regrets not finishing school.
Some experts suggest new laws to further limit the hours teens can work during the school year.
Russo says there's more we can do. And they're gonna have to do a better job. Nearly half of all high school seniors and juniors hold jobs throughout the school year Many kids start working as early as seventh and eighth grade. Half of all teenagers put in more than 20 hours a week at their job. Close to 100,000 kids suffer job-related injuries each year.