In recent years, the share of high‑school students holding summer jobs has fallen to its lowest level since records began after World War II.
Current estimates show that roughly one in three 16‑to‑19‑year‑olds is employed during the summer months, leaving more than 11 million adolescents without a paid position.
While about half of young people attend some form of summer camp, many of these programs are brief day‑camps focused on single activities, and participation gaps between upper‑ and lower‑income families reach nearly 30 percentage points.
Without structured work or camp experiences, many teens spend extended periods engaged in video games or social media, which can limit opportunities for social and personal growth.
Parents can counterbalance this trend by creating summer challenges that complement any employment or camp involvement.
For example, a parent might design a program that includes physical drills, creative projects, and reading goals, with clear milestones and earned rewards such as screen‑time privileges.
When teens meet their benchmarks, they gain a sense of accomplishment; when they fall short, they learn the value of accountability and time management.
Such balanced approaches help adolescents develop essential life skills while maintaining healthy engagement with technology and community.
