Kids’ unauthorized app spending costs parents

A survey carried out by Microsoft suggest that parents spend approximately £30.9million per month on their kids’ unauthorized app spending.

11:23 11 May 2013

A recent survey carried out by Microsoft which aimed to promote the Windows Phone 8's Kid’s Corner and Windows 8's Family Safety Tool, suggest that parents in Britain spend approximately £30.9million per month after their children bought apps without their permission.

 

28per cent of 2,000 parents who participated in the survey said that their children made app and in-app purchase without their permission. 83per cent of these parents also said that they suffered from “bill shock” after they realized that their credit card bill increased.

 

The problem stem from “freemium” games, which offer kids goodies while they’re playing. These pop-up offers can be bought by simply clicking a button.

 

If parents do not have security feature in place, their children can easily access their billing information that are stored either on their smartphone or tablet making purchasing slightly easier.

 

Brett Siddons, of Windows Phone UK said:  “Parents are worried about the impact of app and in-app purchases on their bills and this can cause stress.

 

Adding: “With technology becoming more and more intuitive, it’s important that parents can trust in the technology they use.”