That makes them a huge target for advertisers and bank services.

Now some banks have developed debit cards especially for teens.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Reporter Bob Branom has the pluses and minuses of giving your teen a debit card.

Many of us appreciate the convenience of debit cards, especially the cash-back option at places like supermarkets.

They can also be a convenient method of giving cash to your kids. But there may be a catch.

Alyson Schneer does a lot of babysitting. It gives her extra spending money and she saves money, too.

"I'm saving up for a spring break trip, so everything that I've been making, I've been putting away. But usually I spend, like, not even half of it," she said.

Teaching your kids how to manage money is an important lesson.

MORE ON THIS STORY ConsumerReports.org Washington Post Article Risks of debit cards for kids:

We just checked out debit cards designed for teens to see if they're a helpful money-management tool for kids and parents alike.

The newsletter looked at four cards: the UPside card, Allow Card, Visa Buxx, and Pay Junior.

The cards, which are controlled by parents, offer online lessons about fiscal responsibility. But Consumer Reports Money Adviser Andrea Rock says with one card, the lesson is a bit muddy.

"The UPside card offers cash back and rewards points when the card is reloaded or purchases are made. This sends a mixed message to kids who are rewarded for charging up their card," Rock said.

These are not credit cards, so parents don't have to worry about their children racking up huge bills. However, there are a variety of hefty fees that can quickly add up.

"There are activation and reloading fees, monthly maintenance charges, and overdraft fees up to $20 if your child tries to spend more than what's left on the card."

Rock said there is a less-costly option.

"If your teenager is financially responsible, you could set up a joint or secured credit card and avoid the monthly fees of prepaid debit cards."

Debit cards can be especially useful if your kids are headed off to college.

Proper use of these may make all those regular credit card pitches they'll receive less tempting.