Teens Can Shop On Amazon Using A Parent-Controlled Login

Amazon.com Inc. announced Wednesday (Oct. 10) it has launched an easy way for teens aged 13 to 17 to shop on the eCommerce website with their own, parent-controlled login information.

In a press release, the Seattle, Washington-based online retailer said teens, can for the first time, use the Amazon App to shop or stream content and, at the same time, keep parents abreast of what they are doing. Parents will have the ability to approve orders and set pre-approved spending limits for each order. Amazon says the new offering provides a way for teenagers to use its offerings with a level of independence and autonomy. The limits can change as the teenager ages, the press release reported.

“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,” said Michael Carr, vice president of Amazon Households, in a press release announcing the new initiative. “We’ve listened to families and have built a great experience for both teens and parents. 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.”

The feature sends a text message or email to parents when a teen finds something on Amazon he or she wants to order. Teens are able to place the order on the Amazon App, then await approval from the parent account holder so the order can proceed.

Apple has something similar for parents who want to control their children’s purchases in the App Store. To make the case as to why they need the item more powerful, Amazon allows teen account holders to send a personalized note such as “This is the book I need for class.”  Parent can then approve the order by text or can visit their order page to review the requested items in more detail.

By default, parents approve every order. Parents can choose to skip the approval step and set pre-approved spending limits instead of receiving texts or emails from their shopping children.