Children are increasingly using mobile devices, especially for entertainment. While technology can be useful, it's important to understand the risks, particularly those associated with in-game and in-platform purchases.
To encourage users to spend more, some companies use behavioral psychology as a way to monetize. One common monetization strategy is known as ‘fun pain’, which works as follows: a game creates an uncomfortable situation, such as taking a long time to complete a level, while at the same time it offers a paid solution, such as the option to purchase extra lives.
To protect children from such strategies and avoid unnecessary expenses, parents can take the following precautions:
Explain how free apps and in-game purchases work and help your children develop critical thinking skills to make good decisions. Take the opportunity to talk about financial education.
-Teach children not to store credit card details on their devices or share them without their parents' permission. To control spending, prefer prepaid game cards if available. If you decide to use a credit card, opt for a virtual or online card.
Configure children's devices to require a password before confirming purchases.
Pay attention to the apps and games they use. Check age ratings, read reviews, and investigate whether they include in-app purchase features.
Using parental controls can also be useful. Some provide options related to purchases.
Keep in mind that completely restricting access may not be the best solution, as this can create tension in your relationship with your children. Additionally, many games offer real benefits and can help children reduce their stress levels and develop their skills. Therefore, stay alert, identify the risks, and be prepared to deal with them in the best way possible.
More information:
https://cidadaonarede.nic.br/en/videos/controle-parental
https://cidadaonarede.nic.br/en/videos/parental-mediation
https://internetsegura.br/pdf/guia-internet-segura-pais.pdf
This video was awarded first place at the Hackathon organized at the 13th Internet Governance Forum (in Portuguese, Fórum da Internet no Brasil) which took place at Uberlândia (MG) - https://forumdainternet.cgi.br/2023/.
It was created by Luis Henrique de Menezes Acioly and Yuri Silva Lima.
Description
In the first scene, the phrase “Were you billed an unexpected amount?” appears. A mother looks at her credit card statement and is shocked to see a charge of $100 for online games.
In the second scene, a boy is using his phone to purchase a skin for his character in an online game. A credit card appears in a speech bubble next to him. At the top of the screen, the phrase “Your child may have used your credit card” appears.
In the third scene, the cell phone appears showing an in-game purchase of 1,000 diamonds. Next to it, a Pac-Man character eats the coins. The phrase at the top of the screen reads “Some apps offer in-app purchases”. In the fourth scene, the mother and her child are shown together. At the top of the screen, the text says “Be careful! Set a password for online purchases and talk to your child!”.
LICENÇACC BY-ND
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