American teenagers have always worked for extra pocket money. More than their predecessors (前辈), today’s young people are (1) to work long hours during the week for hundreds of dollars each months. They spend the money (2) themselves rather than contributing it (3) their families. In a 1997 (4) of 16,000 high school seniors nationwide, it was (5) that eighty percent of students who worked (6) their earnings on their own needs, (7) as clothing, stereo equipment, records and movies. (8) five percent said they contributed most of their income, (9) often exceeded 200 a month, to help pay family living (10) .
The benefits of this work-and- spend ethics (伦理观) are being (11) argued. Some experts, and many parents, (12) that year-round part-time employment increases youngsters’ (13) of worth, teaches them (14) responsibility and reduces tension, and thus conflict(冲突) (15) the family.
Others, (16) , argue that working teenagers are separated, physically and financially, (17) their families, which in tum (18) parental authority.
Teenagers’ schoolwork can also suffer."When youngsters (19) for luxuries, they are buying distraction (20) education," said a program director for the U.S. Department of Education. Working teenagers them- selves say they have less time to spend with their friends and families.