As Spring is coming and teens are looking forward to Summer, the subject of part time jobs is sure to be discussed. As details of Bethany Stroud's disappearance in Frisco continue to surface, parents are challenged even more to look at whether their teenagers are safe at their part time jobs.
Here are a few safety tips for parents of teens that can enlighten your teens and reduce your stress:
- Always know your teen's full work schedule and when to expect them to be leaving work. Check labor laws for times/curfews to ensure that your teen is not working later than s/he should be.
- Know your teen's supervisor and work team if possible. It would be helpful to have phone numbers for as many of your teen's coworkers as possible.
- Know who your teen is working with for the evening and talk to your teen about the closing routine, i.e. does your teen have to help clean up or count money, is your teen responsible for locking up the location?
- Teach your teen to always have someone with him/her when exiting the location. If your teen is expected to close the location alone, consider going to the parking lot to ensure safety or ask that one of his/her friends can be available.
- Use cell phones and texting to keep track of your teen! It only takes a few seconds for your teen to text "leaving work now" (and you know they are on their phones texting anyway!).
What other tips do you have for teens or parents that would help us keep them safe?
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