17 per cent of kids given free rein of parent's app store account

November 8th, 2013, 21:11 Posted By: wraggster

In-app purchases could prove to be a nightmare for parents when trying to keep track of what their kids are spending.
Although according to youth research agency Dubit, they actually have a better hold on their digital wallet than expected, with only 17 per cent allowed to make in-app transactions.
Of those 17 per cent, 41 per cent know their parents' app store account details, giving them the possibility to go on a spending spree.
It appears though that we should have more faith in our young ones, as only 2 per cent have ever made a purchase without asking first, and out of 500 children aged six to 12 surveyed, not one has ever spent more than £10 on a single purchase.
In fact the average single purchase price made by a child was £2.07.
Apple’s iOS7 update introduced a number of changes to its kids section of the App Store, including some apps having to ask for parents permission before linking out of the app, and allowing parents to personalise which apps they deem appropriate for their kids.
Ian Douthwaite, CEO of Dubit, commented: “It’s evident from our research that parents have greater control over their child’s in-game spending thant reports would have us believe, and when children do spend, it is in moderation.”
54 per cent of kids say that their favourite thing to buy in-game is new levels, 45 per cent like to purchase digital cosmetic items such as clothing or furniture to enhance their online identity.
The option to speed up in-game progression, like making crops grow was preferred by 25 per cent.
It is these kind of purchase options, and the occasion high-priced items that receive the biggest criticism, with some games offering single purchases costing up to £69.99. Even though none of the kids asked actually took advantage of these expensive goodies, they are still there and pose a risk to parents and their bank accounts.

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