While the global economy shrinks, so does the money allotted for and to TEENs to spend.

The economic crisis not only affects our social allowances, but also our education.

Have you noticed that the more food prices go up the more your lunch money goes down?

It is obvious that since the United States of America is going through a recession, adults and TEENs here in Jamaica will certainly feel the outer bands of this economic hurricane.

Students whose parent/s are abroad working to fund their education, especially feel the crunch as remittances have fallen off. TEENage is concerned about their education primarily.

Getting an education surely has its price, as even though government subsidies are provided, the auxiliary fees and other forms of miscellaneous charges make the 'abolition of school fees' seem like a joke.

The needed school supplies are also adding to the cost of education. Textbook prices unceasingly seem to get more expensive at the beginning of every school year. This has led to the photocopier at your parents' offices or respective schools becoming the new and improved bookstore. The fact is, no matter how illegal this action is, the fear of the law does not circumvent the need for the books.

Another problem resulting from the state of the economy is the cost of transportation. With rides from parents or others declining, due to gas prices and taxi fares rising, the seat on a bus has never felt more comfortable. The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Smart Card has become every TEENs new BFF.

Basic necessities such as food, water and clothing at times feel as if they are luxury items. The days of buying lunch and a snack after school seem to be coming to an end. In fact, more and more we see the resurrection of the Power Rangers lunch kit and 'the brown paper bag' filled with a sandwich from home. It is, afterall, the cheaper option.

Whether mentally or physically, the health of citizens will deteriorate as the economy does. Healthy foods are expensive, and although the same can be said for fast food items, it is still cheaper to buy potato chips than a box lunch.

TEENs are finding it harder to afford means of entertainment, as with the high cost of movies and parties nowadays, some of us have had to wipe the dust from our board games and put them to use.

Jamaican TEENs studying abroad are also feeling the economic pinch.

With the demise of several alternative investment schemes and the out-of-control exchange rate, which affects the cost of tuition, many have had to return home.

Abroad, the picture isn't prettier.

Jamaican students who are scholarship holders are told that the university's donors are feeling the economic crunch and have withdrawn the funds they had previously pledged.

These students are left to fend for themselves as the universities have no obligation to rectify a foreign student's monetary problems.

And yet still, after all the struggles associated with receiving that degree or diploma are completed, TEENs then have to enter the current job market in an environment that is far from secure.

How many times have we heard, "your qualifications are impressive, but you have no experience".

TEENage recommends that we learn from these times by becoming more aware of current affairs and how they affect us both directly and indirectly. Now is the time to be more responsible and innovative as TEENs. Create budgets for your finances and increase your income by seeking part-time jobs.