Parent's perception of children's spending via social media and payment method

About this data

According to Ofcom's June 2025 research into persuasive design features and potential financial harm to children, 58% of surveyed parents reported that their child had made a purchase on a social media site or app, video platform or online game in the preceding month. In contrast, 44% of parents reported that their child had not spent any money across these digital channels during the same period. The breakdown of payment methods reveals that digital purchases were funded through children's own money and external sources. Nearly one in three parents (30%) reported that their child used their own money, while 28% said their child used a parent's or someone else's payment details. (Note: because the survey allowed respondents to select multiple payment methods if their child had used more than one option within the month, the combined positive response rate totalled 58%. This resulted in an overall sum exceeding 100% when calculated against the 44% non-spending baseline.)