Working adolescents in economically depressed areas of Canada

Abstract

We assessed labour participation among 12- through 17-year-olds. A total of 283 females and 330 males from two economically depressed regions of Canada completed a survey which assessed the amount and type of labour participation, time spent in other activities, importance given academic achievement, employment, and time with friends and family, and attitudes toward substance use, school, and ethical employment practices. Employment rates were much higher than reported by Statistics Canada, with most work being in the informal sector. The pattern of findings suggests that boys who work part time while attending school may be particularly vulnerable to lowered school achievement.