A consumer watchdog is forcing the online games industry to comply with rules that aim to prevent children feeling pressured to pay to play. Vicky Shaw reports

A CRACKDOWN on the online gaming industry aims to cut the risk of money disappearing from the accounts of young players’ parents without their knowledge.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has given game, producers a deadline of April 1 to comply with rules which state that costs should be shown clearly and prominently before someone begins to play, download or sign up to a game. They should also be broken down to specify the cost of signing up, as well as any optional extras.

In a fast-moving industry, the watchdog hopes the rules will make existing consumer protection law clearer, and tackle concerns that some firms are exploiting children’s inexperience, vulnerability and credulity.

They state a game has the potential to exploit a child’s inexperience by implying other players or characters within the game are relying on them to do something – which can lead to a nasty, unexpected bill for their parents.

One problem is that many parents find trying to keep up with the latest technology their youngsters are using is anything but child’s play.

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, sayid: “I’m not suggesting parents should be let off the hook for not properly protecting their phones or tablets, but part of the problem is that many kids are more techsavvy than their parents.

“Young kids can easily pick up passwords as they sit on mum or dad’s knee. Who can blame them for using the password when they are in games that encourage them to collect treasures.”

MoneySavingExpert suggests parents should make sure they protect their passwords and change them regularly to stop their children racking up big bills.

Alongside the new rules firms must comply with, here are a few extra steps parents can take to protect their children – and wallets.

Check your settings

BEFORE handing over your device to your child, check your payment option settings.

If you enter your password to authorise a single payment, you may be opening a payment window in which your password will not be needed for more payments to be taken. You could change the setting so that your password is needed for every purchase.

Read the game description

THE description of the game, either in an app store or on the game’s own website, should tell you if it is possible to make purchases within the game.

The description should also tell you what the main characteristics of the game are before you download it for your child or allow them to create an account. Check you are happy for your child to play.

Check whether there is a social element to the game

MANY games let players connect with each other, through the game or social media platforms.

If a game does this, it should be clear from its upfront description. Check what safety features are in the game to stop this happening.

Go through your bills

GET in touch with the game provider or the platform operator if you see that money has been taken from your account without you realising. Give them the chance to put right any problem. If you are not satisfied with their response, contact Citizens Advice at adviceguide.org.uk/consumer

Have a go at playing the game yourself

DOING this will enable you to see if you think the content is suitable for your child and make sure there is nothing that could pressure them into making a purchase. Even if you are happy with a game, it is worth bearing in mind that content can change via updates, so you may want to check it regularly.

Talk to your child

START a conversation about the games they play and ask if there is anything they are unhappy about.

  • For more information, visit the OFT’s website at oft.gov.uk