Many parents—almost one in three, to be specific—have found that their kids are making online purchases without their knowledge. On average, these unauthorized shopping sprees cost families around $170.
A survey involving 2,000 parents with kids under 18 revealed that 31% reported their child made digital purchases without permission.
Some cases were even more alarming, with nearly one in five parents (19%) noting that their child’s spending surpassed $300.
While plenty of these unapproved buys came from video games and clothing, others included pricier items like computers, smartphones, smartwatches, and even cameras.
Interestingly, some parents mentioned that their kids had delved into buying stocks and cryptocurrency.
Concern about oversight
A study conducted by Talker Research for a digital finance company found that, despite the potential risks of unauthorized spending, many parents aren’t keeping a close eye on their child’s finances.
For instance, 23% of parents reported that they rarely, or never, check their child’s debit or credit card transactions.
Moreover, 11% stated they seldom require their children to seek permission before making any digital purchases.
This lack of supervision might hint at a broader issue. Many parents struggle to instill a sense of financial understanding in their children, leading to a disconnect regarding the value of money.
No surprise then that the study found 72% of parents believe their kids lack an understanding of what a dollar is worth. This disconnect is particularly evident with digital currencies, as 44% of parents admitted they find it tough to explain the value of both digital and physical currency to their kids.
“Online spending can be tricky for everyone, especially children growing up in a world where everything is just a click away,” noted Brad Stroh, co-founder of Adeac. He emphasized that parents often find themselves too busy to monitor their children’s spending habits but stressed the importance of early financial education.
Allowances and results
The survey also looked into how parents approach allowances and financial awareness.
A majority (57%) of parents reported giving their kids regular allowances, predominantly in cash (73%).
Children typically receive around $119 a month, though 14% earn upwards of $250.
Even with a budget, overspending is common, as many kids don’t seem to exceed their allowance.
When a child makes an unauthorized purchase, most parents (56%) opt for discussion. Others might resort to taking away devices (23%), requiring repayment (20%), or freezing bank account access (11%).
Many parents wish for their children to gain financial awareness and responsibility, and if 66% of them can grasp the value of money, parents feel they’d be more relaxed about spending.
However, teaching these crucial lessons isn’t straightforward. The bulk of parents (61%) expressed a desire for financial professionals to help their children develop sound spending habits.
As Stroh put it, “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching kids about money, but a thoughtful, consistent strategy tailored to their education is vital. Starting these conversations early sets the foundation for a healthier financial future.”
Research method:
The study by Talker Research gathered data from a representative sample of 2,000 American parents with children living at home who are under 18. This online survey was conducted between April 14th and April 23rd, 2025.
