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Social networking attracts teenagers

Thursday 19 November 2009, 8:41AM

By Manawatu District Council

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FEILDING

AN INNOVATIVE marketing approach paid dividends for the Makino Aquatic Centre when nearly 80 teenagers enjoyed a “Friday the 13th” blast at the complex last week after being alerted to the event through social networking.

MAC Manager, Nick Mannix, said it was decided to use the teenagers’ favourite forms of communication – texting, Facebook and Bebo – to get out the message and this resulted in a highly successful night that drew much positive response. .

“We also asked them to show us the Makino text or a copy of the flyer on Facebook or Bebo to get a free chocolate bar and this really worked,” he said.

The “teenage only” programme employed a creepy, dark and unknown theme, bolstered by loud music, a chill zone, rope swing, noodles and mats, water canon, rings adventure and tyre tubes.

Mr Mannix said one lesson learned was to keep parents in the loop as there had been some calls from adults wanting to know if the event was “legit” after viewing the text messages.

“We wanted to put on something for Feilding’s teenagers as there is nothing for them at the moment and when you look at their social calendar they probably have only the one school dance a year.

“It was a chance for them to gather in a safe environment on their own back doorstep and enjoy a sense of belonging and shared experience.”

Mr Mannix said it was important that more youth-type activities were held in small towns to keep teenagers busy, and in view of the popularity of the “Friday the 13th” event, he hopes to organise similar activities on a monthly basis.
“It’s not about making money but running an activity for teenagers that allows them to do what they do best – hanging out.”

Mr Mannix said it was quite unusual to go into the carpark at the height of the event and find it near-empty, emphasising the point that teenagers relied on others to transport them to such activities.

“We are keen to receive feedback from teenagers on theme ideas for the future and their parents on the best way they can be contacted. We want to keep this going.”

* MAC’s next event for teenagers is “Nightmares before Xmas” from 7pm to 9.30pm on Friday, December 11.