PART-TIME JOBS BAD FOR TEEN'S HEALTH?

PART-TIME JOBS BAD FOR TEEN'S HEALTH?

MUNCIE, Indiana (Wireless Flash) -- A new survey by the Horatio Alger Association reveals that the average teenager works 18 hours a week -- but the teens may be picking up more than paychecks at their after-school jobs. Research by professor Jay Thompson of Indiana's Ball State University shows that teens who work more than 10 hours a week are at an increased risk of abusing drugs and alcohol. Thompson believes teens who work long hours at jobs are more likely to learn bad habits because their jobs expose them to older peer groups with access to drugs and booze. Teens who spend an excessive amount of time on the job also do worse in school, take fewer classes and are less likely to take hard courses.