E-Commerce question

[bugshaw]

It occurs to me, that while young people (I'm thinking 13-17) spend a lot of time on the Internet, they are denied access to the financial instruments which are necessary for a great deal of Internet purchasing (credit cards, PayPal etc). Does this disenfranchise them from a lot of the possibilities of the Internet, including sites targetted at them (like LiveJournal's add-ons), and discounted books and music? If they want to purchase something, do they have to ask a parent to do the transaction? Or have families found a work-round where they trust a child with a credit card? Or is there a Young Debit Card banks offer for such purchases? Or are young people still stuck in a cash economy - and having to go to physical shops if they want a book or CD?

Comments

[bugshaw.livejournal.com]

[click-click-click-click-click - knew there was something I'd meant to do]

The trend seems to be increasingly towards use of credit for very small amounts; I don't know if this would make the p/ra begging too fiddly, for so many small transactions.

Downloading for free? *ghasp!*

[frandowdsofa.livejournal.com]

I wrote a long thing and LJ ate it, but basically: http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/prepaid/visa_buxx.html

[papersky.livejournal.com]

Yes, and this is a good thing.

[mishalak.livejournal.com]

I received a credit card when I was 14 or 15. So there may be exceptions.

[maryread.livejournal.com]

I did a share of standing behind the computer chair reading off card numbers, usually for mail-order teeshirts with band logos on em. When he got to be sixteen and driving on his own (in our state that means after months and interminable months of always having an adult in the car with him) we gave Number One Son a credit card so he could buy gas. We already foot the bill for car & insurance, so no biggie. He promptly got a fast-food job and drove himself to work. He is absurdly responsible now that he is off at college, and when we check the bill it is always for textbooks, or warm clothes, or something.

May such good fortune be more general.