10-13 years old. They are between junior and the teenage years. Why are they suddenly referred to in this way?

　　Tweenagers now have more money, freedom and influence upon their parents than they've ever had before. More and more companies are creating products and services for tweenagers. You can get everything from branded lunchboxes and mobile phone covers, to monthly fan magazines and clothing-it's all about sales.

　　Most children in the UK today get more pocket money than kids did a decade ago. It is because parents are having fewer children on average than in the past. In addition, the divorce rate in the UK is continually rising and parents spend less time with their children than they used to. So, many parents try to compensate(补偿) by buying presents for them.

　　And do tweenagers have more freedom? Well, UK children today are very familiar with media and computer. Many have a television, if not a computer, in their bedrooms. They have access to much more information about the world.

　　They may have experienced a lot in life as well, since 24% of UK kids live in single-parent families. People now say that "Kids are getting older younger". With such sophistication (世故) at such a young age, they are much more fashion conscious and concerned about their image.

　　In a world of TV programs that promise overnight success and fame at a young age, some people think it's extremely important to look fashionable. Surely none of the above is a good thing, is it? Can it really be healthy for us to encourage kids to be like adults at such a young age? Are we stealing childhoods in return for profit?

　　The UK government is certainly concerned, and for that reason has strict laws preventing companies from marketing their products and services at children. So, is there a happy ending to this story?

　　Companies have just worked out that the older tweenage audience is now looking for something darker and more rebellious. As a result, films such as Twilight are being produced for this older tweenage audience.

24. More and more companies pay attention to the tweenagers because________________.

A. tweenagers have a growing interest in lunchboxes and mobile phones

B. parents are more likely to spend money for their kids than before

C. kids receive less pocket money now but have more freedom