An analysis of teenage unemployment indicates that it is very high and endangers the future of some of the young. In 1975 the unemployment rate for teenagers, ages 16-19, was 19.9%. For nonwhite teenagers, it was even higher (36.9%). Teenagers accounted for more than 20% of the total number of unemployed, but less than 19% of the total labor force. Many unemployed youths can look forward to a time when they will not be plagued by unemployment but others, especially nonwhite teenagers, cannot. The causes of this unemployment can be classified into two categories and include (1) variations in the supply and demand for labor (the recession and changes in military manpower requirements) and (2) structural factors (period during which those entering the labor market search for jobs, market regulations, and special problems of nonwhite teenagers). Several factors can be identified that contribute to the lower teenage unemployment rates in some industrialized countries. These include major use of apprenticeship arrangements, special employment services for youth, and low wages for teenagers. Policies targeted on teenagers or subgroups of teenagers are one means for reducing teenage unemployment. Such measures include public employment and training programs, increasing the demand for teenagers in the private sector, educational policies, providing teenagers with labor market information, and special measures for disadvantaged youths. (EM)