The “twin” problems developers targeting children with in-app purchases and parents who give children their iTunes password — failing to grasp that it is tied to their credit card on file — has yet again resulted in an excessive bill tied to in-app game purchases. In the latest case, a British six-year-old twin boy and girl were able to buy $1,590 worth of virtual pets and clothing across two different games. The father has called for tougher legislation for in-game app purchases.
Tougher legislation? Like mandating that parents have to know some common sense? Like suspended sentences for parents who show diminished responsibility? But sure, demand more legislation to do the parenting for you. Why not just hand the kids over to the state so you don’t have to look after them.
If you use an iPad a babysitter and you give small children the password with it tied to your credit card, then you’re reckless and stupid. This isn’t the fault of developers, it’s a lack of common sense.
What you SHOULD do is set the child up with an iTunes account of their own. Then create a monthly allowance or use iTunes gift cards. My kids have a monthly allowance that hits on the 1st of every month. It means if they want a £6.99 game, they have to save. It means if they want to buy a £7.99 movie or music album, they have to save. Just like in the real world.