Online games are great fun for children – they can be creative, social and rewarding. However, many popular games also include in‑game purchases (often called microtransactions), which can sometimes lead to children spending real money without fully realising it. This might be a few pounds here and there, but it can quickly add up.

Game designers often use clever techniques to encourage spending. Games may use bright colours, countdown timers, “limited offers” and in‑game currencies to make purchases feel exciting and urgent – and to disguise how much real money is being spent.

How do accidental payments happen?
Children don’t usually set out to spend real money. Common reasons include:

• In‑game currency confusion – coins, gems or points make it hard to link purchases to real cash
• One‑tap buying – purchases can be made quickly without a password
• Peer pressure – children may feel they need certain items to keep up with friends
• Loot boxes – surprise rewards can encourage repeated spending

Practical steps parents can take
The good news is that there are simple ways to reduce the risk:

Use device controls – On phones and tablets, parental controls can block or limit in‑app purchases. For example, Apple devices allow parents to:

• Require a password for every purchase
• Turn off in‑app purchases completely
• Use Ask to Buy, so children must get permission first

Step‑by‑step guidance is available from How‑To Geek. howtogeek.com

Talk openly about money  – CyberAwareKids recommends explaining clearly that in‑game purchases cost real money, just like buying something in a shop. Children are more careful when they understand the value behind the screen. cyberawarekids.org

Keep an eye on spending – Regularly check app store receipts and bank statements so any problems are spotted early.

Top Tips for Families

Turn on parental controls and password protection

Disable in‑app purchases for younger children

Talk about how games encourage spending

Agree rules or budgets for online games

Check receipts and account settings regularly

Working together

Online games aren’t going away, and they don’t have to be a problem. By staying informed, using built‑in safety tools and keeping conversations open, parents can help children enjoy gaming safely and responsibly. Staying involved shows children that you’re interested in their digital world – and that’s one of the best protections of all.