Amazon sets its sights on Generation Z

Amazon is launching a new program that allows adolescents aged 13 to 17 to shop with the retailer — with approval from their parents.

For the first time, teens can independently use the Amazon App, allowing them to shop or stream content while still keeping their parents informed. Parents can approve all orders or set pre-approved spending limits per order – offering teens a customized level of autonomy that can change and grow as they do. Teens and parents can learn more and sign-up at amazon.com/forteens.

“As a parent of a teen, I know how they crave independence, but at the same time that has to be balanced with the convenience and trust that parents need. We’ve listened to families and have built a great experience for both teens and parents,” said Michael Carr, Vice President, Amazon Households. “For teens who have a parent with a Prime membership, they can also access Prime benefits at no additional cost, including fast, free shipping, Prime Video and gaming benefits with Twitch Prime.”

How it Works

When a teen finds something they wish to order, they can place the order on the Amazon App, and parents will receive a text or email showing the item, cost, shipping address and payment information. The teen can also include a personalized note like, “this is the book I need for class.” The parent can approve the order by text or they can visit their orders page to review it in more detail. By default, parents approve every order. Parents can choose to skip the approval step and set pre-approved spending limits, offering teens the freedom to place orders up to a certain dollar amount on their own. Parents receive itemized notifications for every order and can cancel and return any item in accordance with Amazon’s policies.

How to Sign Up

Signing up takes moments for both teens and parents. Teens can also send an invitation to their parent through either SMS or email. The parent will choose a payment method and shipping addresses their teen can use when placing orders. Once a teen receives an invitation, they create their own user name and password, and then download the Amazon App to start shopping. To get started, parents can visit amazon.com/forteens.

Sharing Prime Benefits

Parents who have a Prime membership can share select benefits with their teen at no additional cost, including:

• Prime Shipping: Unlimited fast, Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 50 million items
• Prime Video: Unlimited access to tens of thousands of movies and TV shows
• Twitch Prime: Free games and in-game loot, Twitch viewing benefits, and discounts on most pre-release boxed games