You are here: Home - Household Bills - News -

Kids spend money on apps against parents’ wishes

0
Written by:
21/09/2015
Half of UK parents say they do not allow their children to spend money on digital downloads, despite 84% of kids admitting to doing so, according to research.

The 2015 annual Halifax Pocket Money Survey found widespread concern among parents when it comes to their children’s access to downloadable online content.

One in three (32%) said they are unwilling to allow their children to download items because they are worried about them accessing inappropriate content and a further third (31%) said they are worried about them overspending. A third (31%) admitted to downloading content on behalf of their children to stop them from doing so themselves.

For parents who allow children to download games, films, TV programmes or apps, 62% set spending limits, allowing their children to spend between £4-£10 per week on average.

The findings show the majority of children have direct access to the internet and the ability to download content online, whether or not they have permission to do so; 60% have a tablet computer and 72% a mobile phone (86% of which are smartphones). The average phone bill is £12.50, with 12% of children saying they are expected to pay for this with their pocket money.

A child’s age seems to have a bearing on whether or not they have a mobile phone, as 16% of eight years olds have one compared to 96% of 15 year olds. However, this makes little difference to whether or not children download certain types of content online. More eight year olds download games than 15 year olds (62% versus 56%).

On average, children admit to downloading three items per week. Games are the most popular item to download, with 60% of children downloading them, followed by apps (58%), music (50%) and TV programmes (19%).

Giles Martin, head of Halifax Savings said: “While today’s kids are super savvy when it comes to all things digital, parents still have concerns about their spending online. This is perhaps no surprise, considering the multitude of shops and downloads available at the touch of a button.

“Budgeting money is a great responsibility and parents need to make sure by awarding pocket money they are also giving their children the tools to understand the importance of managing how that is spent. Our research shows the majority of children save at least some of their pocket money, but it is also clear from the latest figures many are also spending online. What is not clear, is whether the bank of Mum and Dad is footing the bill.”

Related Posts

There are 0 Comment(s)

If you wish to comment without signing in, click your cursor in the top box and tick the 'Sign in as a guest' box at the bottom.

Everything you wanted to know about ISAs…but were afraid to ask

The new tax year is less than a fortnight away and for ISA savers or investors, it’s hugely important. If yo...

Your right to a refund if travel is affected by train strikes

There have been a wave of train strikes in the past six months, and for anyone travelling today Friday 3 Febru...

Could you save money with a social broadband tariff?

Two-thirds of low-income households are unaware they could be saving on broadband, according to Uswitch.

What will happen if rates change

How your finances will be impacted by a rise in interest rates.

Regular Savings Calculator

Small regular contributions can build up nicely over time.

Online Savings Calculator

Work out how your online savings can build over time.

DIY investors: 10 common mistakes to avoid

For those without the help and experience of an adviser, here are 10 common DIY investor mistakes to avoid.

Mortgage down-valuations: Tips to avoid pulling out of a house sale

Down-valuations are on the rise. So, what does it mean for home buyers, and what can you do?

Five tips for surviving a bear market mauling

The S&P 500 has slipped into bear market territory and for UK investors, the FTSE 250 is also on the edge. Her...

Money Tips of the Week