Children hit with shock bills from apps

Tech-savvy children’s mobile phone habits have led to some shock bills for their parents, according to evidence seen by bodies helping consumers.

Citizens Advice said it helped one parent hit with a mobile phone bill of over £300 after their 12-year-old son signed up to a games app.

The charity also helped another parent who found himself paying for an £80 year-long subscription to an app that his daughter had downloaded, thinking it was free.

An investigation by consumer help website MoneySavingExpert.com in 2015 also found in-game extras could cost as much as £80.

Halifax’s survey found that children potentially spend nearly £500 (£487.24) of pocket money a year on digital downloads.

When Halifax asked children in its survey where they think money comes from, one child said: “Money doesn’t actually really exist as it’s just numbers on screen really.”

In April this year, the Digital Economy Bill received royal assent.

The Bill aims to help protect consumers from a “bill shock” by requiring mobile network operators to offer a bill capping facility.

Regulator Ofcom suggests parents buying a mobile for their child should consider what type of device they need.

If, for example, it is simply to make calls and send short text messages, or allow them to get in touch in an emergency, then a basic handset might fit the bill.