Students have the constant pressure to excel in school and sports, have a social life and still receive the adequate amount of sleep. However, one or more of these areas in a students life have taken a hard hit due to over-scheduling, strenuous course loads and most prominently child labor law-breaking jobs.

According to Maryland State laws, minors between the ages of 16 and 17 may spend no more than 12 hours in a combination of school hours each day and are not allowed to work more than five consecutive hours without a non-working period of at least 30 minutes. Unfortunately, many jobs refuse to follow such rules causing stress filled lifestyles for teenagers.

Senior Holly Ciampaglio and junior Macey Rommelman have both worked more than 12 hours in a combination of work and school on given days and both feel it is affecting their school work and social life.

“I find myself having very little down time between school, cross country practice, homework and my job and it’s almost overwhelming,” Rommelman stated. “ I have a constant feeling of stress.”

Research gathered by American Psychological Association found that teenagers are more stressed than most adults and have taken the hardest hit psychologically and physically. It has been reported that more students are experiencing, migraines, intense irritability and are skipping meals. Additionally, ten percent of teens have reported receiving lower grades, and 40 percent have neglected relationships and responsibilities.

“My stress level has definitely increased this year especially with the added stress of my job. I come to school, go to practice, leave directly to go to work and then I still have homework to do,” said senior Regan Davis.

Additionally, many students have reported working more than five consecutive hours without a non-working period of at least 30 minutes including seniors, Davis, Ciampaglio and Greg Fiackos.