This chart shows the “labor force participation rate” of those aged 16-19. In the 1970s, up to almost 2 in 3 “teens” held a part time or summer job at the peak. Today, about 1 in 3 will hold a part time or summer job.
Another important change is that it is, today, hard to get a job if under age 16 due to state laws that limit “child” employment. Young kids can still do babysitting – but they can’t work the French fry grill at the fast-food eatery and are mostly limited to cleaning up, doing dishes. The old traditional job of being a “newspaper” delivery kid no longer exists either.
