Oh, 12 to 14. This is where the real drama begins. Pocket money hits a serious bump, landing around £10 to £14 weekly. Why? Because they’ve discovered social currency. We’re talking apps, Fortnite skins, and the crippling need for a specific brand of trainers.
This is also the age where they start comparing notes with friends. "Wait, your mum gives you fifteen quid?!" This is the start of a beautiful, awkward discussion about household finances. You might want to lie and say you’re broke. Trust me on this.
What do children spend their pocket money on? | Financial Times
Some parents tie this money to actual responsibilities now—like washing the car or walking the dog. Others just hand it over out of pure exhaustion. No judgment here. The average hovers around £12, but it’s wildly different between "I need new socks" families and "I need a new Xbox game" families.
The Teenage Ladder (Ages 15–17)
Brace yourself. The 15-to-17 bracket is where pocket money gets real. The average sits at a beefy £15 to £20 a week. But here’s the kicker: at this age, "pocket money" often morphs into a budget for everything—clothes, phone top-ups, socializing, and potentially, the dreaded bus fare.
Some brave parents give a monthly lump sum, like a tiny salary. It’s a killer financial lesson, honestly. "You spent it all on Nando’s in week one? Cool. Enjoy your toast for the next three weeks, mate." It’s tough love, but it works.
The range is bonkers, too. Some 16-year-olds get a tenner. Others are getting £50 a week (called a "child allowance increase" by their guilt-ridden parents). If your teen is earning their own cash from a part-time job, they might be richer than you. Don’t borrow from them. It sets a bad precedent.
