TL;DR
The "Free" in the App Store is usually a lie. Most popular games use "Freemium" models that rely on psychological tricks and virtual currencies to detach kids from the reality of spending real money.
- The Big Three: Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft (Bedrock edition) are the primary drivers of the "I need $10 right now" conversation.
- The Strategy: Use gift cards instead of linked credit cards, enable "Ask to Buy," and treat virtual currency as a finite allowance rather than an infinite resource.
- Better Alternatives: Look for "Premium" games like Stardew Valley or Monument Valley where you pay once and own the whole experience.
If you’ve ever felt like your kid is speaking a different language when they ask for "Robux" or "V-Bucks," you’re not alone. This is currency obfuscation. Developers use fake money because it’s much easier for a human brain—especially a developing one—to spend 800 shiny gold coins than it is to spend $9.99 of hard-earned cash.
By the time a child is in 3rd or 4th grade, about 70% of their peers are likely playing a game that features some form of in-app currency. When they see a friend with a "legendary" skin in Fortnite, it’s not just about the digital outfit; it’s about social standing. In the world of Roblox, having a "noob" skin (the default look) can actually lead to digital bullying or being excluded from certain "neighborhoods" in roleplay games.
Learn more about the social pressure of digital skins
The "Free-to-Play" (F2P) model is designed to be a funnel. It starts with zero friction—anyone can download the game. Once the kid is hooked and invested in their progress, the "paywalls" or "convenience items" start appearing.
Roblox is the final boss of in-app purchases. It’s not one game; it’s a platform of millions of games. Each game can have its own "Game Passes" which are essentially mini-subscriptions or one-time buys for that specific experience. The Trap: Your kid might think buying a pass in one game gives them powers in another. It doesn't. The Entrepreneurship Myth: People often say Roblox teaches kids how to code and run a business. While that’s technically possible, 99% of kids are just consumers. Unless your kid is actively in the Roblox Studio environment building things, they aren't "learning entrepreneurship"—they're just at the digital mall.
Fortnite popularized the "Battle Pass." For about $10, you get a season’s worth of content if you play enough. This is a "retention mechanic." It’s not just taking your money; it’s demanding your child’s time to "earn" the items they already paid for. It’s brilliant, and it’s also incredibly manipulative for kids who struggle with FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
This is a massive hit with the 8-12 age group right now. It uses a "gacha" mechanic (essentially digital slot machines or loot boxes). You spend gems to get a chance at a new character. This is where "brain rot" meets "gambling lite." If your kid is obsessed with "opening boxes," they are engaging with a dopamine loop that is very hard to break.
Check out our guide on the ethics of loot boxes in kids' games
Developers use "Dark Patterns"—design choices that trick users into doing things they didn't intend to do, like spending money.
- Limited Time Offers: "Only 2 hours left to get the Ohio Rizz Emote!" This creates artificial urgency.
- The "Sunk Cost" Trap: Giving a small amount of "free" currency so the kid feels they only need a little bit more to buy the thing they want.
- Complex Conversions: If $1 = 80 Robux, how much does a 1,250 Robux item cost? Most adults have to pause to do that math. A 10-year-old isn't even trying; they just see "1,250" and hit the button.
If you're tired of the constant "Can I have $5?" requests, consider moving your kids toward "Premium" games. These are games you buy once and never have to worry about again.
Ages 8+. This is the gold standard of "cozy games." It’s a farming sim with deep mechanics, no in-app purchases, and a wholesome vibe. It teaches patience and planning rather than instant gratification.
Ages 7+. If you play on a PC, the Java edition is the way to go. Unlike the "Bedrock" version found on iPads and consoles, Java doesn't have a "Marketplace" constantly trying to sell you skins and maps. It’s the version that actually encourages creativity and modding.
Ages 4-9. While it does have in-app purchases to unlock new locations, it’s a "walled garden" approach. You buy a location, and you own it. There are no "consumable" currencies or gambling mechanics. It’s digital storytelling at its best.
Ages 6+. A beautiful, artistic puzzle game. It’s short, but it’s a complete experience. No ads, no "energy" meters, no nonsense.
- Ages 5-8: Zero access to passwords. Use "Ask to Buy" on iOS or the Google Play Family Link. Purchases should be a "special occasion" thing, like a physical toy.
- Ages 9-12: This is the "gift card" era. Instead of linking your card, give them a $10 gift card for their birthday or as an allowance. Once the balance hits zero, the "store" is closed. This teaches them to budget their digital wallet.
- Ages 13+: Start having conversations about the "cost per hour." If they spend $20 on a skin they use for 100 hours, that’s better value than a $20 movie ticket. Help them see the math.
The biggest mistake parents make is linking a credit card to an iPad "just this once" to buy a Minecraft skin. Never do this. The "One-Tap Buy" feature is designed to bypass the logical part of the brain.
If your kid is playing Genshin Impact, be aware that this game is basically a high-end casino disguised as an anime adventure. It’s beautiful, but the spending can get into the thousands of dollars very quickly if not monitored.
Instead of saying "That's a waste of money," try asking:
- "How long have you wanted this item?" (The 24-hour rule is great here).
- "Will this make the game more fun, or does it just look cool?"
- "If you spend your $10 on Robux today, you won't have it for that Lego set you wanted. Which one matters more?"
In-app purchases aren't inherently evil, but they are designed to be frictionless. Our job as parents is to reintroduce friction. Whether that’s through "Ask to Buy" settings, using physical gift cards, or choosing games like Monument Valley that respect the player's wallet, we have to be the gatekeepers.
The goal isn't to ban spending; it's to turn "I want it now" into "Is this worth it?"
- Check your settings: Go to your phone's "Screen Time" or "Family Link" settings and ensure "In-App Purchases" are set to "Don't Allow" or "Ask to Buy."
- Audit the apps: Open your kid's favorite game—be it Roblox or Fortnite—and look at the "Store" page together. Ask them to explain what things cost in "real money."
- Switch to Premium: Try downloading one "paid" game this month like Stardew Valley and see if the "I need money" requests decrease.
Ask our chatbot for a step-by-step guide to locking down your child's specific device