Parents pamper teens too much: Report

Dutch parents of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 years often pay a too-large part of their child's personal expenses, according to a study by budget adviser Nibud. The parents mean well, but this stands in the way of preparing their children for independence, according to Nibud, NOS reports. "Father and mother are financially too protective", Nibud spokesperson Gabriella Bettonville said to the broadcaster. "Parents are increasingly depriving their children the chance of learning to deal with money themselves. They think they consciously give pocket- and clothing money, but then still pay everything for their child." More than 61 percent of Dutch parents pay the full cost of clothes, shoes and mobile phone for their teenager, compared to 54 percent of parents three years ago. According to Nibud, whose been studying the income and expenditure of high school students since 1984, the trend of adolescents paying more and more for themselves, is now reversing. An average high school student has 112 euros per month to spend. There is a large difference between the different ages. A 14-year-old has an average of 52 euros per month, while 16-year-olds can count on an average of 145 euros per month. Almost half of high school students have a part time job, though the older ones work part time more often than their younger school mates. This money is mostly spent on snacks, gifts and entertainment. Only 20 percent of high school students pay for their mobile phones, an average of 15 euros per month. About 93 percent save some of their money, an average of 41 euros per month.