What Are the Pros and Cons of Community Service in High School?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

Pros of community service in high school include addressing community needs, exposure to new people, learning new skills and experiencing group dynamics. Cons include busy schedules, school work, sleep interference and a concern for safety.

Students learn to work as a team when performing community service by working with peers and members of authority. Volunteers become equipped with civic engagement experience, skills and knowledge. Awareness is broadened by working with people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. Community service can reinforce curriculum by giving students experience in a diverse world. Career preparation is another pro to community service as students work for a boss or leader. It also teaches responsibility and accountability.

Teenage schedules are often busy and filled with homework, sports, jobs and home obligations. Community service work should not interfere with sleep or school work. Teens should also not work with anyone who makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Students may also engage in inappropriate behavior if left unsupervised while volunteering. When selecting a community service opportunity, research should be conducted and questions should be asked. Ensuring that adults are present for supervision and that the work being done is safe and appropriate for teenagers can reduce the chance of risk. The coordinator or parent should be in contact with the volunteer supervisor.