NATION : Teens as Charitable as Adults

WASHINGTON — Despite their sometimes being stereotyped as selfish and self-centered, American teen-agers do voluntary charitable work at about the same rate as adults, a study reported today.

And, between trips to the mall and the movies, teen-agers also dig into their pockets to do good, with 48% contributing money to causes last year. The average total donated was $46.

The findings, by Independent Sector, an umbrella group of voluntary, nonprofit groups and big donors, come on the heels of a mid-November survey that found a marked increase in giving and volunteering by the “baby boom” generation.

The survey of American teens found that 58% volunteered in 1989, compared to 54% of adults. Teens averaged 3.9 hours of volunteer time each week, and more than one-fourth of the teen volunteers gave five or more hours each week.