How to Stop Your Child From Making Unwanted Purchases: A Parent’s Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The digital world offers incredible learning and entertainment opportunities for kids, but it also presents the risk of unintentional or unauthorized purchases. Whether it’s racking up charges on in-app games or buying apps without your permission, the issue can quickly become frustrating and costly. Fortunately, there are several methods to prevent your child from making purchases on their devices, giving you peace of mind and control over your finances. This guide will walk you through various strategies for different platforms, ensuring a safer digital experience for your family.
Implementing Purchase Restrictions: A Multi-Platform Approach
The most effective way to stop your child from making purchases is to implement parental controls and settings specific to the devices and platforms they use. This involves understanding the tools available on Android, iOS (iPhones and iPads), Amazon devices, and game consoles.
Android Devices
- Google Family Link: This free app is your best friend for managing your child’s Android device. Within Family Link, you can set content restrictions for Google Play. Navigate to Controls > Content restrictions > Google Play and choose the appropriate filters for apps, games, movies, and books.
- Purchase Approval: In Family Link, you can require purchase approval for all content or just paid content. This means your child needs your permission before completing any purchase on Google Play.
- PIN for Purchases: In the Google Play Store app, go to Settings > Authentication > Require authentication for purchases and choose “For all purchases through Google Play on this device.” This forces your child to enter a PIN every time they attempt a purchase.
- Disabling In-App Purchases: While not a direct option on Android, some games and apps have settings within them to disable in-app purchases. Check each app individually.
iOS Devices (iPhones and iPads)
- Screen Time: iOS’s built-in parental control feature is powerful. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases. Here, you can set options to “Don’t Allow” for installing apps, deleting apps, and making in-app purchases. You’ll need to set a Screen Time passcode to prevent your child from changing these settings.
- Ask to Buy: If you use Family Sharing, the “Ask to Buy” feature is invaluable. Go to Settings > Your Name > Family Sharing > [Child’s Name] > Ask to Buy. This requires your approval for every purchase your child attempts to make, giving you the final say.
- Managed Apple IDs: Managed Apple IDs offer more granular control over a child’s device, especially in educational settings. They allow you to block specific apps and services, further restricting purchase opportunities.
Amazon Devices
- Parental Controls: On Amazon devices, open the Amazon Appstore and go to Account > Settings > Parental Controls. Enable parental controls and set a password. This password will be required for any purchases made through the Amazon Appstore.
- Disable In-App Purchasing: Within the Parental Controls settings, you should also find options to restrict or require passwords for in-app purchases.
Game Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
- Platform-Specific Parental Controls: Each console has its own set of parental controls. On PlayStation, go to Settings > Family Management. On Xbox, use the Xbox Family Settings app. On Nintendo Switch, access Parental Controls through System Settings.
- Purchase Restrictions and Spending Limits: These controls typically allow you to restrict game purchases based on age ratings, set spending limits, and require a password for all transactions.
Beyond Device Settings: Additional Strategies
While device settings are crucial, other strategies can complement your efforts:
- Open Communication: Talk to your child about responsible spending and the value of money. Explain the consequences of making unauthorized purchases. The Games Learning Society provides excellent resources for understanding how games can be used for educational purposes, and this can be a great starting point for discussing responsible online behavior. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
- Monitoring and Reviewing Purchases: Regularly review your credit card statements and app store purchase history. This allows you to identify and address any unauthorized purchases quickly.
- Teaching Budgeting: Help your child understand the concept of a budget and how to manage their own money. This can involve giving them an allowance and encouraging them to save for desired items.
- Prepaid Gift Cards: Instead of linking your credit card directly to your child’s account, consider using prepaid gift cards. This limits the amount of money they can spend and prevents unexpected charges.
- Account Security: Make sure your account passwords are strong and not shared with your child. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns
1. Is there a way to block all purchases on my child’s device completely?
Yes, using a combination of device-level parental controls and platform-specific settings, you can effectively block all purchases. On iOS, set “Don’t Allow” for all iTunes & App Store Purchases. On Android, require purchase approval for all content in Family Link.
2. How do I disable in-app purchases specifically?
Refer to the device specific instructions above. For example, to disable in-app purchases on iOS, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases and set “In-app Purchases” to “Don’t Allow”.
3. Can my child bypass parental controls by creating a new account?
It’s possible, which is why monitoring and open communication are essential. Regularly check your child’s devices for new accounts and reiterate the importance of following the rules. Family Sharing on iOS helps prevent this, as you manage all accounts linked to your family.
4. Do parental controls turn off automatically at a certain age?
On Google accounts, children can choose to manage their own account when they turn 13. On iOS, parental controls in Screen Time will not turn off until you manually remove them, even after age 18.
5. How do I lock parental controls so my child can’t change them?
On both Android (Family Link) and iOS (Screen Time), you need to set a PIN or passcode that your child doesn’t know. This prevents them from disabling or modifying the parental control settings.
6. How do I turn off parental approval for app purchases?
Go to the settings for Google Family Link, or Apple Family Sharing, and select the child’s account. There should be a tab that states Purchase approvals.
7. How do I block purchases on Amazon devices?
In the Amazon Appstore settings, enable Parental Controls and set a password. This will require a password for any purchases made. You can further restrict in-app purchases within these settings.
8. Is there a completely free parental control app?
Yes, Google Family Link is a free and powerful option for Android devices. iOS’s built-in Screen Time is also free.
9. Can I block certain types of transactions on my debit card?
Yes, most banks and credit card companies offer debit card controls where you can turn your card on/off, block specific transaction types (e.g., online purchases), and set spending limits.
10. How do I restrict in-app purchases on Family Sharing?
Within Family Sharing on iOS, ensure the “Ask to Buy” feature is enabled for the family member you want to restrict.
11. How do I turn off parental controls completely?
Each device and platform has its own method, but generally, you need to access the parental control settings and disable the feature. On Android, this is done through Family Link. On iOS, it’s through Screen Time.
12. Why is Apple parental approval not working?
Common reasons include using different Apple IDs for iCloud and iTunes, outdated software, or issues with Family Sharing settings. Ensure all family members are using the same iCloud account for Family Sharing and that all devices are up to date.
13. How do I block an app so it can’t be downloaded?
On Android, you can restrict app downloads based on age ratings in Google Family Link. On iOS, you can prevent app installations entirely through Screen Time.
14. How do I control my child’s phone from mine?
Google Family Link and Apple Family Sharing allow you to monitor content, set screen time limits, and even track location from your own device.
15. At what age should I stop using parental controls?
This is a personal decision based on your child’s maturity and responsibility. As they approach adulthood (16-17), gradually loosen restrictions and have open conversations about responsible technology use.