YOUNG WORKERS CAN REAP BENEFITS, WOES...

High achievers, it seems, tend to be motivated to do far more than what is expected. Those who are successful in business generally do so by working harder, longer and smarter. In many, if not most, cases of financial success you can find individuals whose zeal for reaching lofty goals started when they were youngsters.

But a national study by the National Academy of Science's National Research Council cautions that there is a fine line between beneficial work among teen-agers and work that has detrimental effects on grades and social development. In general, the study puts that line at 20 hours of work a week for young employees.

It is always interesting to hear about the best students at our high schools. Invariably, those who do well academically also do well in other activities such as sports and the arts, are involved in lots of extra-curricular activities and also make time for part-time jobs.

College-bound students who seek admission to schools with competitive entrance requirements know full well that their successful applications will depend on far more than top grades. Most top-caliber schools want students who excel beyond academics. And high school-age applicants know they must compile an impressive record of studies, athletics, extra-curricular involvement, volunteerism and employment.

The biggest motivating factor for many student workers, though, is spending money. Owning and operating a car is a important milestone for lots of teens, and parents often push teen-agers toward jobs to cover these expenses.

For the most part, having a job at a young age can provide lifelong benefits: good work habits, learning to make the most of your time, examples of good role models, making and keeping commitments, and so forth. But, as with anything beneficial, there comes a point when the negative effects can exceed the positive benefits. Parents need to monitor how their teen-age children are spending their time. And employers need to know the law when hiring young workers.

In Missouri, there are both state and federal regulations that affect young workers. These rules apply to how many hours teens can work. Except in a few cases, youngsters under 14 can't hold jobs. And until a young worker turns 16, a special permit approved by the school district and a parent is required.

As many area employers have learned, in this job market there are far more jobs for teens than there are applicants. Youngsters have an opportunity to make the most of this situation, but grades should always come before work.