Parents powerless: kids download against their wishes

The age-old battle for the upper hand between parents and kids has entered the digital world. A new study has found that half of all parents ban children from spending their pocket money on digital downloads - and yet 84% of children download games, apps, TV shows, music and films regardless of their parents' wishes.

Why ban it?

The Halifax pocket money survey revealed that parents are banning their children from downloads for very good reasons. Quite aside from the possibility they are breaking the law, a third are concerned that they may access inappropriate material and another third are worried about them accidentally overspending.

Of those who do allow downloads, two thirds set a limit on what their kids are allowed to spend on downloads - and most put it somewhere between £4 and £10 a week.

Breaking the rules

However, the problem seems to be that the children have ample opportunity to break the rules. Some 60% have a tablet and 76% have a mobile phone (the vast majority of which are smart phones). It means that while the parents may be doing their best to control what their children download, it's incredibly difficult to keep tabs on it.

As a result, children admit to downloading an average of three items a week. Some 60% download games, 58% apps, 50% music, 19% TV programmes and 20% films.

Should parents be worried?

On the one hand, an enormous amount of this activity is perfectly harmless. Children can download free games and apps, and if they have access to music or video streaming services, they may be downloading perfectly suitable material, free of charge, and within the law.

On the other hand, there are a few more worrying possibilities. First, they could be downloading expensive items, or games and apps which appear to be free - but then tempt kids with in-app purchases, which can cost hundreds of pounds.

Second, they could be downloading items that are not age appropriate. Every parent has heard their child talk about a game they played on a friend's phone or tablet, which on closer inspection turns out to be wildly inappropriate. There's a real risk that children are being exposed to material that nobody would consider right for their age group.

Finally, there's the possibility that they are breaking the law. The easy availability of illegal downloads means children don't have to look far for free access to TV shows and films they cannot afford - without always realising the fact they are breaking the law and it could have serious repercussions.

What can you do?

There are precautions you can take. Some systems will allow you to do something called 'family sharing', so that before your child is able to download anything or spend any money, you will get a message on your device and you have to approve it.

On the children's device itself you can restrict content, so it won't allow them to download things that are unsuitable for their age group. You can also disable in app purchases so they can't run up terrifying bills trying to buy their way through the levels of various games. You can then use a PIN that means the children cannot change their settings.

You can also talk to your internet provider, and arrange for them to block access to more extreme sites for anyone using your internet connection.

The researchers add that you should take the time to talk about the risks and why you are taking precautions, in the hope that your child takes some responsibility - rather then focusing their efforts on getting round the rules. Giles Martin, Head of Halifax Savings said: "Budgeting money is a great responsibility and parents need to make sure that by awarding pocket money they are also giving their children the tools to understand the importance of managing how that is spent."

But what do you think? Do children need restrictions and rules, or can sensible advice from their parents do the trick? Let us know in the comments.

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