Parental Guide: Protecting Kids From Aggressive In-Game Monetization

Worried your child will spend a fortune on a “free” phone game? You’re not alone.

In late 2025 and early 2026 regulators — most notably Italy’s Autorita Garante della Concorrenza E Del Mercato (AGCM) — flagged mobile titles for misleading and aggressive monetization aimed at young players. That means the same flashy timers, rewards and bundled virtual currency that keep kids glued to screens also make it surprisingly easy to spend real money. This guide gives practical, platform-specific steps plus conversation scripts so you can set limits, recognize manipulative mechanics and turn microtransaction moments into teachable opportunities.

The core problem in 2026: design that converts attention into spending

Games like the ones AGCM examined — popular cross-platform phone titles — still advertise as free-to-play but monetize via layered mechanics: time-limited bundles, ambiguous virtual currency rates, loot-style rewards and persistent scarcity messaging. Regulators warn these patterns can push minors into spending “significant amounts” without fully understanding the cost.

“These practices… may influence players as consumers — including minors — leading them to spend significant amounts, sometimes exceeding what is necessary to progress in the game and without being fully aware of the expenditure involved.” — AGCM, early 2026

What parents must know right now (fast checklist)

• Require approval: Turn on parental approval for all in-app purchases.
• Remove stored payment methods: Don’t leave credit cards saved on the device/account.
• Use wallet limits: Give allowance via gift cards or preloaded game currency only.
• Turn off push sales: Disable notifications and marketing emails that prompt impulse buys.
• Talk openly: Explain how probability, bundling and “sale” timers work.

Platform-specific settings: step-by-step

Below are the most impactful controls for each platform parents encounter in 2026. Use them together — OS-level limits plus in-game settings provide the best protection.

Apple iPhone & iPad (iOS)

• Use Family Sharing and enable Ask to Buy for child accounts so every App Store or in-app purchase requires parental approval.
• Turn on Screen Time to limit apps, set downtime and block “Installing Apps” if you want stronger restrictions.
• Require password or Face ID for purchases: Settings > Media & Purchases > Password Settings > Always Require.
• Remove saved payment methods from the child’s Apple ID. Use Apple Gift Cards to preload a fixed amount instead of a credit card.
• In each game: disable push notifications and uncheck marketing email subscriptions in settings (many games default to opt-in).

Android & Google Play (including major OEMs)

• Set up Google Family Link and enable purchase approvals so you authorize Play Store purchases and in-app buys.
• Require authentication for every purchase in the Google Play Store (Settings > Require authentication for purchases).
• Remove payment methods from the child's Google account. Use Google Play gift cards as an allowance tool.
• On some Android devices, disable “Save payment details” in Chrome or the Play Store to prevent accidental one-click buys.
• For Amazon/Fire devices: use Amazon Kids (FreeTime) and control in-app purchases through the Amazon Parent Dashboard.

Consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo)

• Create child accounts and add them to a family group — then require parental approval for purchases and add spending limits through the console’s family settings.
• Remove stored payment methods from the child account and use console-specific wallet funding (e.g., PlayStation Store wallet) with a capped amount.
• Leverage built-in time limits and content filters to reduce exposure to limited-time events that drive purchases.

PC storefronts (Steam, Epic, Battle.net)

• Enable Family View (Steam) and lock store access or require a PIN for purchases.
• Don’t save payment cards on the child’s account. Use wallet balances and gift cards to limit spending.
• For games that integrate with multiple platforms (e.g., crossplay mobile-to-PC titles), ensure parental controls are active on the child’s primary device.

Payment-side tools (bank & fintech)

• Use prepaid cards or virtual disposable cards from your bank to cap a child’s spending.
• Set up real-time bank/push notifications for every charge and auto-freeze a card on suspicious activity.
• Consider a teen-friendly banking product that offers parental controls and spend alerts.

Recognizing manipulative mechanics in phone games

Design elements that work on adults also target kids. Teach yourself and your child to spot them.

• Countdown timers and limited offers: “Only 2 hours left!” urgency is designed to create fear of missing out (FOMO).
• Bundled currency and confusing exchange rates: When virtual currency comes in weird bundles, it’s hard to know the true $ cost per item.
• Near-miss and loot mechanics: Systems that show you “almost” won a rare item to keep you buying more.
• Bright, reward-like UI: Flashy confetti, animated progress bars and celebratory sounds when you buy encourage repeat purchases.
• Social pressure features: Gifting, leaderboards and clan features that push players to match peers’ spending.
• Hidden or dark defaults: Pre-checked boxes, auto-renewing subscriptions and “confirm” flows that bury the true price.

Game-specific notes: Diablo Immortal & Call of Duty Mobile

Both titles were singled out by the AGCM for using techniques that can push players, including minors, to spend heavily. As a parent, focus on these concrete steps.

• Diablo-style progression purchases: Monitor progression boosts and time-savers. Use wallet caps and deny in-app purchases unless pre-approved.
• Call of Duty-style battle passes and bundles: Battle passes are time-limited and often feel “must-have.” If your child wants one, buy the single pass once per season and set that as the household rule.
• Disable in-game notifications and email promotions that push “limited-time offers.”

How to talk to your child about microtransactions (age-based scripts)

Open conversations are the most effective tool. Below are short scripts you can adapt.

For younger kids (6–10)

• Script: “If you want something in the game, tell me first. We’ll decide if it’s worth it and if we’ll use allowance or a treat-for-help.”
• Rule: All purchases need an adult’s OK. Use coins or rewards to teach delayed gratification.

For pre-teens (11–13)

• Script: “Games can trick you with timers and flashy offers. Let’s look at what it costs in real money and decide together.”
• Rule: One premium purchase per month and it must be budgeted from allowance or preloaded gift card.

For teens (14–17)

• Script: “You’re old enough to manage money. Show me the purchase, explain why it’s worth it, and I’ll add funds to your game wallet if it’s reasonable.”
• Rule: Earned allowances or chores can be converted to in-game credit; large purchases require co-approval and discussion of value.

Teaching moments: turn microtransactions into financial literacy

• Explain odds and value: If a chest costs $5 for a 2% chance at a cosmetic, calculate expected cost to get it.
• Use visuals: Convert virtual currency bundles to real dollars so kids can compare.
• Set goals: Instead of impulse buys, encourage saving for a specific cosmetic or bundle.

If overspending happens: immediate actions

1. Freeze the card or remove payment methods from the child’s device/account.
2. Check the platform’s refund policy — Apple, Google and major consoles have processes for accidental or unauthorized purchases. Start there immediately.
3. Contact your bank to dispute charges if purchases were truly unauthorized. Many banks have strong consumer protections in 2026.
4. Document receipts and screenshots. If you’re in Italy, you can raise a complaint with AGCM or the national consumer authority; other countries have similar agencies.

Advanced strategies for persistent problems

• Use disposable virtual cards: These limit a single transaction amount and reduce risk of recurring charges.
• Set up a dedicated gaming wallet: Preload a fixed sum of gift cards or store credit for the season; no card saved on the child’s device.
• Audit account linkages: Many games allow linking across platforms; unlink payment-enabled accounts from the child’s profile.
• Leverage developer support: For complex or disputed charges, open a ticket with the game’s support team and keep all references.

2026 trends & future-facing advice

Regulatory pressure that ramped up in late 2025 and early 2026 is pushing platforms and publishers toward greater transparency. Expect the following this year:

• More purchase approvals and parental features at the OS level — keep your system updated and revisit Family settings each quarter.
• Transparency labels — some regions are piloting “monetization labels” that explain expected spend ranges and whether a title uses randomized rewards.
• Greater refund clarity as regulators compel storefronts and publishers to offer clear dispute routes for minors’ purchases.

Stay informed: if a game changes its monetization model or launches new currencies, revisit family settings and policy changes — don’t assume the status quo.

Experience & case study: a quick real-world example

We worked with a family where a 12-year-old bought multiple currency bundles during a weekend event. The parent discovered charges on Monday, froze the card, and contacted both the game support and their bank. The bank refunded the unauthorized transactions because the card was used via a child’s account without prior approval. The family then switched to gift-card funding, enabled purchase approvals, and set a “one-battle-pass-per-season” household rule. The child learned to plan purchases and saved for the next season pass.

Quick action plan for busy parents (15 minutes)

1. Open your child’s device and remove saved payment methods.
2. Turn on purchase approvals (Ask to Buy / Google Family Link).
3. Disable in-game notifications and marketing emails for installed games.
4. Set a temporary wallet-based allowance using a gift card or prepaid card.
5. Have a 5-minute conversation with your child about one rule: always ask before buying.

Final takeaways

• Combine technical tools with clear rules. Controls alone aren’t enough; kids need guidance on value and impulse control.
• Prefer wallet limits over stored cards. Gift cards and preloaded wallets are the simplest spending caps.
• Spot the signs of manipulation. Timers, bundles, social pressure and confusing currencies are red flags.
• Use overspending incidents as teaching moments. Turn mistakes into lessons about budgeting and probability.

Call to action

Start by checking your child’s device now: remove stored payment methods and enable purchase approvals. If you’re in Italy and concerned about a game’s practices, consider filing a complaint with AGCM — and join our community to get step-by-step checklists and update alerts for parental controls across platforms. Protect your family’s digital wallet and turn gaming into a safe, teachable space.

Related Reading

• Case Study Playbook: Implementing an AI-Powered Nearshore Workforce (Lessons from MySavant.ai)
• From Playlist to Stadium Chants: Collaborating with Indie Artists Like Mitski to Renew Claret & Blue Anthems
• Winter-Proof Your Virgin Hair: Protective Styles and Care Routines for Cold, Wet Weather
• Regulatory Spotlight: What FDA-Cleared Reproductive Wearables Mean for Beauty Brands Exploring Health Claims
• Road-Trip Essentials: Choosing the Right Portable Power and Charging Gear for Long Drives