According to new data out by Windows Phone, children who buy apps without permission or make accidental purchase on their parent’s smartphone are costing parents £30million nationally.
More than 25% of parents with smartphones have had this problem and 80% have seen larger than usual bills as a result. Interestingly, the research found that the biggest culprits are eight year olds. They are old enough to run up the high bills but not quite old enough to understand what they are doing. The research showed that these 8 year olds, on average, are adding £59.59 to their parent’s bill.
Children as young as four and under have also made purchases, accounting for 36% of the kids causing problems with the phones.
The head of consumer marketing for Windows Phone, Brett Siddons, said, “Our research reveals parents are worried about the impact of app and in-app purchases on their bills and we understand the stress this can cause. With technology becoming more and more intuitive, it’s important that parents can trust in the technology they use and feel as safe as possible when handing over their smartphone and tablet devices to their children.”