What Parents Should Know About In-Game Purchases?
Many games today are free to download but packed with in-game purchases like skins, loot boxes, or battle passes. These purchases often feel essential to children—not just for fun, but for fitting in with peers. Items like skins serve as digital status symbols, while loot boxes and battle passes create urgency through time-limited rewards.
Children are more susceptible to these systems because their impulse control is still developing. They may not grasp that in-game currency is real money or recognize manipulative features like daily bonuses and limited-edition deals. Some games even make you feel like you’ve earned a reward, only to charge you to unlock it.
Emotional factors also play a role. When tired, upset, or under peer pressure, children are more likely to spend impulsively. Understanding the social and emotional value children place on digital items can help adults respond with empathy and guidance—not just restrictions.
✅ 2–3 Things Parents Can Do Right Now
- Set a monthly budget for digital spending that fits your child’s age and maturity. Treat it as part of your family’s overall entertainment spending.
- Have open conversations about in-game purchases—what your child wants, why it matters to them, and how it compares to real-world money.
- Use built-in parental controls on gaming platforms to set purchase limits, restrict access, and monitor game content.
Read the full article here (English translated version)
Read the full article here (Swedish original version)
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Save the Children Sweden (Rädda Barnen) works to promote and protect the rights of children in all areas of life, including their safety online. Their digital safety hub offers research-backed resources, tips, and insights for parents navigating the challenges of social media, online gaming, and digital wellbeing.
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