The country's economic malaise has made this a difficult summer for young people, and it may be awhile before teens find better prospects in the job market. In May, some economists predicted the "demise of the summer job," calling this the worst job market in 60 years for 16- to 19-year-olds who want or need to work.

Now, summer school and academic and recreational camps are over, but several weeks remain before students get back to the books. Once they do, those part-time jobs that keep them busy during the school year are likely to be in short supply.

It'll take a major effort on the part of parents, schools and public and private organizations to keep teens working or otherwise involved in constructive activities.

There are good reasons for this:

• Young people with positive things to do are far less likely to get into trouble. And the chances that they'll become victims of crime are reduced.

• They will learn work and teamwork values that last a lifetime.

• Studies show that young people engaged in jobs or other activities do better in school and earn higher wages as adults.

U.S. Department of Labor figures released last week show that the unemployment rate for working-age teens rose to 20.3 percent in July, nearly four times the overall 5.7 percent unemployment rate. Over the years, federal funding for summer jobs has diminished, and some companies that have reduced regular staff have fewer openings for summer workers. These same forces have resulted in adults taking jobs that used to go to college students, and the college crowd going after spots that were previously held by high schoolers. Many baby boomers are delaying retirement, and laid-off adults and immigrants are accepting entry-level jobs that previously went to the young.

Facing those economic trends, more micro, grass-roots solutions must be sought. Several years ago Minneapolis ran out of money to keep parks and rec centers open in August, but the General Mills Foundation stepped in to keep them open until school started.

That's the type of approach the entire community should consider: How can we all keep teens busy when part-time work is harder to find?

Remember that the next time you're hiring someone to babysit or mow the lawn. Keeping young people constructively engaged is good for teens -- and for society overall.