kids-doing-homework

Back-to-School 2025: The New Rules of Youth Influence, Spend & Discovery

Back-to-school shopping is no longer limited to the final weeks of summer. Our data shows that shopping starts earlier every year, with many families preparing for the next school year as soon as the current one ends.

In fact, 32% of parents say they begin shopping at the start of the summer break, up from only 14% in 2024! For brands, this means staying top of mind well before the bell rings; early presence is now essential for consideration.

Get The Report

New backpacks. New vibes. New influence.

Find out what’s fueling Gen Alpha and Gen Z this back-to-school season – before they leave your brand behind.

kids-with-backbacks

Trends Move Fast. So Do They.

Our 2025 Back-to-School Trends Report explores how Gen Alpha and Gen Z are shaping what ends up in the cart – and why discovery kicks off long before the first bell.

From digital influence to snack strategy, this report delivers actionable insights on how youth audiences are evolving – and how they’re steering family decisions in 2025.

Discover More

The 2025 BTS Opportunity

SA_NewIcons_Purple-47

Household Influencers

A significant 64% of parents report that back-to-school purchases are a joint decision between parent and child.

From brand discovery to final selection, the voices of kids and teens carry weight, and they play a pivotal role in the back-to-school purchase journey.

SA_NewIcons_Purple-51

Digital Natives

The back-to-school discovery journey is heavily influenced by digital channels. Online videos lead the way (37%), closely followed by peer influence (34%), which is significantly fueled by kids’ digital consumption.

To effectively reach this audience, brands need to prioritize integrated, omnichannel campaigns.

SA_NewIcons_Purple-42

School Fuel

Kids are calling the shots when it comes to school-day breakfasts.

Two-thirds of parents (67%) say their top consideration is simply going with what their child wants to eat, underscoring kids’ strong influence on the morning routine.

Sign Up Now

Discover more about the data and trends shaping back-to-school 2025 and how to effectively engage Gen Alpha/Z before the school bell rings.