Discuss how companies can reach their teen markets using socially responsible target marketing. Cite an example of a company being responsible in targeting teens and another example where a company is not responsible?
Discretionary income. It's the amount of money we have left over after paying for life's necessities. And many teens have plenty of it. According to a recent Nielsen survey, 29 percent of teens live in homes where household income is $100,000 or higher. These teens aren't just buying for themselves, either. In addition to having discretionary income, teens have a strong influence on the purchasing decisions of their parents. According to Mary Leigh Bliss, trends editor at youth-focused market research firm Y-Pulse, "Teens are now passing technology down to their parents, not the other way around." This presents significant opportunities for marketers. However, some critics worry that teens may be especially vulnerable to targeted marketing messages and offers from high-powered or unscrupulous marketers.