A child between the ages of 8 and 12.
The tween is usually defined as being older than 8, but not yet into the teenage years. The tween years can be awkward for boys and girls who are too young to be teenagers, but feel too old to be “children”.
Tweens have been the target of many a savvy marketing campaign, making them a demographic that is very fashion and trend conscious. Tweens crave a sense of identity and a self-image that is often beyond their years. The tendency for tweens to act older than their age is confirmed by the decision of the Toy Manufacturers of America to change the upper limit of its target audience from 14 years of age to 10 years of age.
There is concern among media critics and parents that the messages tweens get can leave them with unhealthy attitudes towards body image, relationships and violence. Parents of tweens need to:
- strike a balance between a child’s desire for independence and a parent’s need to set boundaries
- stay involved and communicate with their kids about friends, school, homework and other pressures they face
- teach media awareness, so kids can filter the bad messages from the good