LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Lots of kids love video games. Unfortunately, lots of parents find themselves facing unexpected charges because of them.
Some children’s games claim to be ad-free, but they’re not. Parents sign up thinking they’re buying full access, but as kids play they often get encouraged to click on offers for character upgrades, additional tokens, or more advanced levels. Each click costs money, and developers don’t always make that clear. Parents only find out after the charges appear on their accounts.
The Federal Trade Commission warns parents to know what they’re signing up for. Read online reviews and ratings to make sure the game’s a good match for your child’s age and maturity level.
Use parental controls to disable in-app purchases. Or, require a password for all purchases across linked devices.
Finally, establish family rules for kids to guide their use of apps and video. The FTC suggests discussing things like:
- Which games are okay to play
- When, where, and when not to play
- How to handle harassing, bullying, or inappropriate behavior in multiplayer games
- When to reach out to an adult for help
- What personal information is okay to share and what is not
Visit the FTC’s website for more guidance for parents.
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