How To Keep Tabs On Children’s App Purchases

Children today have grown up surrounded by technology their entire lives.  Since before they are old enough to read they can pick up a tablet or smartphone and swipe at apps and games with ease.  Modern kids have an intuitive understanding and ability with technology that older generations can barely imagine.  The abundance of technology, however, comes with a price.

Easy access to any marketplace can be a double-edged sword.  The convenience and ease of use is a boost to those of us needing a quick app, but accidental purchases can cause a lot of headaches.  One-click online shopping was once one of the biggest dangers our bank account faced.  Now, many of us carry multiple devices, each with their own marketplace and app stores.

With modern tech, mobile applications, whether on iOS or Android devices, are easier than ever to buy and download.  So simple in fact, that a child could do it.  

Designed to Appeal - Children love to download mobile applications that feature their favorite characters, cartoons, and TV shows.  Advertisements are aimed specifically for children in ways that will invite them to click a link and instantly download a game.

These games are typically free, meaning they don't require authentication by default before downloading.  A new game can be downloaded, installed, and ready to run seconds from clicking an ad.

Developers commonly use, what is known in the business as, a 'freemium' model.  This means that the game is free to download and start, but inserts paid 'upgrades' designed to make the player part with cash.

Freemium Games - Upgrades to games may unlock more levels, purchase in-game currency, or outfit a character with special attributes.  Competitive online games commonly employ a strategy that gives paying players an unfair advantage over ones who don't pay.  This is often referred to as 'pay-to-win' and entices players to spend more to get on the same level.

Many mobile-based games are designed purely to encourage in-app purchasing.  Some deliberately design a deceptive or tricky user-interface that makes it easy to miss-click or make purchases by accident.

There are regular stories in the news featuring kids spending thousands on in-app purchases for virtual characters.  In some cases, children can use real-world money to buy items thinking they are spending in-game currency.

Apps to Help - Of course, it's unfair to give all applications a lousy name.  Many deserve it, but not all apps are guilty of behaving badly. There are fitness apps, productivity apps, and educational apps that can act as useful tools to help enhance your day.  Children can get a lot from high-quality applications in the same way educational software for the computer can be a huge classroom boost.

Getting the most out of your phone or tablet is about keeping your device safe against applications designed merely to take your money.

Secure Your Device - The best step you can take to prevent running up enormous app bills is to disable in-app purchases on your devices.  This prevents apps from being able to take funds for digital items. The process to do this is simple, takes less than 2 minutes, and can save you huge amounts.

• On iOS: Open the 'Settings' from your Home Screen, tap on 'Screen Time'.  Then tap on 'Content & Privacy Restrictions' and Enter a four-digit passcode and then confirm it, tap the switch next to 'Content & Privacy', tap 'Allowed' apps. Tap the switch(es) next to the app or apps you'd like to disable.

• On Android: Inside the Google Play App: in the top left corner, tap Menu 'Settings'. Parental controls, turn on the "Parent controls" option and set a pin that only you will know. Tap the type of content you want to filter. Choose how to filter or restrict access.

In the "User Controls" menu check the option to "Use Pin for purchases".  Newer phones may label this pin as a password instead.

Safe Apps - With these options enabled, whether using an iOS or Android device, your phone or tablet is safe from app purchases in any hands.

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