Age Group Characteristics: Preteens

Today, I get to tell you about my favorite population of kids, er, I mean "young adults," preteens!

Preteens in today’s world are vastly different in many ways from the way you probably were at their age. They still share some common characteristics of your youth, however, they are far more technologically advanced. They are more aware of the world around them and have access to much more media than I ever dreamed of.

Today’s preteens face challenges such as intense pressure to perform. This pressure can come in the form of parents\’ expectations of their child to excel in a particular sport or hobby. It also occurs in the school systems where teachers are forced to have their students make incredible scores on standardized tests.

They know and say things that would have made you blush at that age. They are not afraid to use acronyms such as "OMG" and other text message lingo that you would still probably not use. They choose music based upon the beat and not necessarily the words.

They have much more acceptance of people and behaviors than we ever dreamed of having. In many ways, I see this as a great blessing, and in other ways it scares the daylights out of me. Preteens are far less prejudice and accepting of different races than past generations. Due to the media promotion of the homosexual agenda, preteens have also become more accepting of alternative lifestyles. Check out this article about the new fad for teens is to be Bisexual.

Preteens also have crazy amounts of spending power. Check this article about how marketers are targeting this age group. Preteens are also all over facebook, even though they aren\’t old enough to technically be on facebook.

Now, for a little comic relief. You might have seen this somewhere on facebook or twitter, but I think it is hilarious (so does my wife!).

How Well Do You Know Your Middle Aged Text Lingo?

ATD: At The Doctors.

BFF: Best Friend Fell.

BTW: Bring the Wheelchair.

BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth.

FWIW: Forgot Where I Was. 

GHA: Got Heartburn Again. 

OMSG: Oh My! Sorry, Gas!

ROFLACGU: Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can\’t Get Up.

TTYL:Talk To You Louder

In a world where preteens are stressed out, burnt out, overscheduled, and abused; I pray that you are making your ministry a place where preteens can come and just be themselves. A place where they can laugh, play, cry, and learn about the One who made them. The One who never changes. The One who loves them unconditionally.

How about you? What do you see preteens doing today? I’ve not given anything away in a while. So, I\’ll choose one commenter and give him or her a copy of Super Duper Fun & Exciting Absolutely Thought-Igniting Bible Activities for Kids.