Volunteering benefits people of all ages, but can be especially beneficial to children. Studies have indicated that teenagers who volunteer are less likely to become pregnant or use drugs. In addition, in a review of 60 studies on child engagement, Child Trends found that children who participate in civic engagement programs are likely to be more involved in school, to graduate from high school and to hold more positive civic attitudes than those who do not get involved in such programs.
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Volunteering benefits people of all ages, but can be especially beneficial to children. Studies have indicated that teenagers who volunteer are less likely to become pregnant or use drugs. In addition, in a review of 60 studies on child engagement, Child Trends found that children who participate in civic engagement programs are likely to be more involved in school, to graduate from high school and to hold more positive civic attitudes than those who do not get involved in such programs.
Getting kids to volunteer as they progress through adolescence may not be so difficult. In its 2014 analysis of volunteering trends, Child Trends found that 39 percent of twelfth grade students volunteered at least once a month in 2014 compared to just 27 percent of eighth graders.
Older students might feel compelled to volunteer to improve their college admissions applications, but parents can take steps to get their younger children excited at the prospect of volunteering.
• Set a positive example. Young children want to emulate their parents, so moms and dads who volunteer may find ready and willing partners in their children. Parents can inform their children when they volunteer and why they do so before bringing kids along to join them.