PARENTS in Yorkshire are spending almost the same amount to support their children through their teenage years as the average worker earns a year, according to a new report.

The Aviva’s Cost of Youth report shows that parents spend £24,416 on their children between the ages of 13 and 19. The figure does not include costs like groceries and utility bills.

The average worker in Yorkshire and the Humber earns £25,293 a year.

The survey found the top costs for parents in the region during the teenage years include birthdays and special occasions (£410), food and drink outside of household groceries and essential clothing and shoes (£364).

Refusing to spend on teenagers has led to conflict among families, with 22 per cent of parents having fallen out with a teenage child for saying ‘no.’ and 14 per cent saying they have experienced some form of emotional blackmail.

More than half (57 per cent) spend on technology for their teenagers, including phone contracts (80 per cent), mobile phones (52 per cent) and laptops (45 per cent).

Around 28 per cent feel they spend more than they should on their teens.