Why is there such a problem about teenagers working a certain number of hours? A lot of teens need the money and want to be independent. Which is the best for a teen – work or fall into trouble on the street? If the teens are in school and also want to work, they are most likely staying off welfare. It’s too bad to penalize the businesses for a few extra overtime hours. Sometimes teens can handle a lot of the jobs better than adults.

My children were brought up by a single parent and they, too, worked all through high school without welfare help. In fact, one worked 40 hours a week while in high school. It was hours after school days at a gas and service station on the turnpike. He graduated, then served a hitch in the National Guard. Today, he has his own business – none the worse having worked through school.

It’s no wonder I believe most teens can do OK working and drop the matter of age and number of hours they’re allowed now. If they want to make something of themselves, they will.

Dorothy Moon

Etna