Many schoolchildren have part-time job, but parents need to be aware ofthe dangers, writes Clare O'Dea

There is an unofficial teenage student work sector out there and you don't have to go far to find it. Chances are that if you are doing any shopping this weekend, having a drink or a coffee or getting petrol, you will encounter workers aged 15, 16 and 17 who are still at school.

But should the fact that the service industry draws a good proportion of its workforce from the classroom be a cause for concern? Perhaps not, as long as the hours and the work are suitable. However, problems can arise when a job has too much influence on the young person's life.

A survey carried out by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) in 2000 found 48 per cent of second-level students had part-time jobs. Of those, more than half (54 per cent) worked for 11 hours or more per week.

Of course a part-time job can be a beneficial experience. It enables young people to earn money and learn practical skills. It can also help develop social skills and a wider outlook on life.

However, the NYCI survey concluded that the balance between work and study had shifted excessively for many young people.

A study published this week by Dublin Employment Pact (DEP) showed part-time work by school-goers in disadvantaged areas of Dublin was "drastically affecting" their Leaving Certificate performance. The DEP, which deals with links between unemployment and early school-leaving, is funded under the National Development Plan.

Mr Philip O'Connor, director of DEP, said far too many students, especially in disadvantaged areas, were working excessive hours. "This is demonstrably damaging their school performance and thus reinforcing patterns of poverty."

Mr O'Connor said it was clear the phenomenon of students working part-time was here to stay. It was now time to seek to manage the hours and conditions of such work, he added.

Ms Marie Danaswamy, president of the National Parents' Council Post Primary, believes part-time work should be kept to a minimum. "I certainly would not recommend working during term time, unless it's for a short period on a Saturday. Often teachers find pupils falling asleep at their desks on Monday morning because they have been working all weekend."

Working part time during the holidays is fine, Ms Danaswamy believes, as long as teenagers are not exploited or tempted to leave school early.

Last year, nine employers were convicted for breaches of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act. The Labour Inspectorate of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for enforcing the Act. More than 1,000 inspections were carried out during 2001. The NYCI is not satisfied that sufficient resources are being made available to ensure that the Act is effectively enforced.

Ms Heidi Lougheed, from the Social Policy Division of the employers' representative organisation IBEC, is adamant there is no reason for an employer to be breaking this legislation.

"It's not about being finicky about hours, it's about health and safety," she said.

Parents can also do a lot to ensure their child is going into a safe working environment.

"I would ask parents and guardians to be more vigilant and monitor where they are working. Go down and look at the workplace, check out the conditions and have a chat with the employer," Ms Danaswamy advises.

"Work experience is good for them in the right context, provided that it's a good environment and done in moderation. We must remember that they are very young and haven't got a broad experience of life."

Ms Danaswamy says parents, employers and teachers all have to play a part to make sure children are protected.

Ms Lougheed believes working part-time can be good for young people.

"As long as the level of hours is reasonable, there is nothing wrong with teenagers working - they are not small children.

"They learn about turning up on time. It can be the first time they are given a sense of responsibility and have the experience of dealing with different types of people. They also learn the value of customer service."

Commentators agree it is possible to do a few hours work per week and still be able for schoolwork. Beyond that, it is a question of balance and support so each individual gets the most out of their education and the chance to experience life outside school.