Credit Cards And Teens

Written by Tina T Willer on October 24th, 2008
by Tina T Willer

Statistics are unnecessary to find out exactly what is going on with teen credit card spending. Just like every other demographic of credit card spending, teens are showing large balances on their credit cards. Teen credit card debt statistics clearly show that a large number of teens with credit cards have a high standing balance on their credit carts. This statistic is particularly surprising considering that teens have a very limited need for credit.

Even though teen credit card debt statistics give us stats on how teens are holding up in the credit world, it is not always necessary to only discuss these unsettling teen credit card statistics. The real key is to find ways to improve these statistics and to find positive, long term solutions to this growing problem.

How Can We Improve Teen Credit Card Debt Statistics?

First, we must better educate children and teenagers about the consequences of debt. There is no age that is too young to instill fiscal responsibility in children. Initially it can be as simple as making sure children understand the benefit of the dollar and hard work through their allowances, and through practicing responsible fiscal behavior as a model. Children must learn how to manage their overall finances.

Teens must understand the real value of money. They should understand how much money costs in terms of person-hours and labor to receive it, and its appropriate use. They need to have extensive monetary and financial knowledge. A parent can for instance, ask their teenage child to maintain records on his pocket money expenditures. Alternatively, they can enroll them in money management courses at appropriate age levels.

Next, open a bank account for the teenage child and teach him the basic aspects of managing the account. Let them learn about getting into debt and what bad debt is. If you are satisfied with the way they manage their bank account, debit cards could be a next step for them. They are much easier to handle than credit cards.

Only after the teens become capable of handling their own bank account without overdrawing it, should they be allowed to get a prepaid credit card. Credit cards are beneficial in that they help a teenager build a good credit rating, when handled properly. Be sure that they understand the value of a credit rating. Credit cards with a limit as low as $200 dollars are available.

Finally, parents should realize that ensuring that teens learn the best financial practices is a continuous systematic process. If a process is followed, we can reduce and start eliminating the bad credit statistics that have surfaced in teen credit related reports. Teenagers should always be encouraged to learn more about responsible money management. It is only by proper planning and education that they can refrain from acquiring bad credit ratings and credit scores.

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