Don't let in-game spending get out of hand

Parents should not give their kids free rein when it comes to in-app purchases, but it is not necessary to ban them altogether, say experts

New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

A recent report revealing that an 18-year-old had chalked up $20,000 on her father's credit card while gaming, has shone a spotlight on the potential hazards of in-app purchases.

Such cases of exorbitant expenditure are rare, say cyber wellness experts, who add that younger children typically do not have access to large amounts of money, while older teens or young adults are more likely to do so.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 10, 2022, with the headline Don't let in-game spending get out of hand. Subscribe