I have definitely been thinking about this for a while now with regards to the blogging world.
It almost seems like companies and their PR’s are only interested in children under a certain age. Once they hit major the major teenage years it looks as though there are no need for reviews from any sort of company!
Yet I think this is an important part of the market. People are always talking online about their teens, how to engage them in activities with the family, how to occupy them over the school hols etc.
Gone are the days of walks in the woods, trips to the park and indoor craft days! Teenagers like technology, films, music, apps, online games, games for consoles all of which do not stop being interesting at the age of 12. So how do these products get reviewed, say games or films aimed at a 15 and above age group. Also, do companies then think that all teens do not want a day out with their family? Of course they do but they want a day out that is aimed at their age group, Theme parks, theatre shows, beauty and hair products, clothing, books, films , tourist attractions or even restaurants such as TGIF’s etc that are aimed at the teenage and above market.
Now I’m not doing this for freebies ( although the teens would certainly like anything for free- they are all leeches LOL) but the blogging world is flooded with reviews of everything and I mean everything to do with babies, toddlers and younger children- but surely the market does not stop there!
So, where are these companies or PR’s who are in charge of marketing these sorts of places? For it seems these are non existent in todays blogging world. Yet for all our complaining about our teenagers attitudes and know it all confidence, would they make the best reviewers? They would certainly be honest ( maybe that is too frightening for most companies)and would definitely tell you in no uncertain terms whether a product or place was worth the money, or even of any interest to that age group. But if a product, item or place was interesting, or worth the money or just simply a great product then they would certainly be telling their mates wouldn’t they?
So, tell me why do PR’s ignore the teen market?
Yes they do! I have a teen and would love to review things aimed at her but I get offered baby buggies almost weekly! Maybe the PRs think that only new parents spend money!
I know my 14 yr old son would jump at the chance of reviewing something relevant and I’m sure my 16yr old son would as well given the chance- it’s just a shame the market is non existent for this age group! 🙂
Yes! This is a great post and something I’ve thought many times! I have a teen, tween and toddler. The toddler has reviewed loads of stuff, but actually it’s me giving the review. But if I got sent stuff for the teen and tween, they would get my point of view and the child’s point of view. And I know if something was great they would Definitely show it off to friends x
Great post! I have a 12 year old who would love to review things….It does seem like everything is aimed at younger children. Only yesterday I was asked to review some baby items. My youngest is 7. lol It is a shame older kids have to miss out.
I suspect that many teens are running their own social media, and brands probably want to go to them direct. I’ve reviewed teenage-specific stuff like skincare, books and technology in the past with my 14 year old so it does happen.
I’m not sure I would like my teens approached online, you would just think there would be more opportunities for the teen market to get involved with this sort of stuff 🙂
Great point. My teen would love to get review a few things and would give a very honest opinion. Teenagers today have a greater disposable income and are quite vocal on social media about what they like and dislike. They are a potential client base that should be harnessed.
You are definitely right about the disposable income! 🙂