Nearly one in three parents have caught their children making online purchases without permission — with the average surprise bill totaling about $170, according to a new survey.

The nationally representative survey of 2,000 parents with children under 18, conducted by Talker Research for the digital personal finance company Achieve, found that 31% had experienced unapproved digital spending by their kids. For some, the damage was even greater: nearly one in five (19%) reported unauthorized spending sprees that exceeded $300.

Most of the transactions involved video games or fashion, but some children went further, ordering computers, smartphones, smartwatches, and cameras. A few even dabbled in investments, buying stocks and cryptocurrency.

Despite these risks, the survey found many parents arent monitoring their childrens financial behavior closely. Nearly a quarter (23%) said they rarely or never check their childrens debit or credit card activity, and 11% admitted they seldom require permission before a digital purchase.

That lack of oversight may be tied to a broader problem: 72% of parents believe their children dont fully understand the value of money. Teaching the lesson is even harder when it comes to non-cash payments, with 44% of parents saying its more difficult to explain the value of digital money than physical cash.

“Overspending online can be a slippery slope for anyone, but its especially true for kids in an era where nearly everything is just a click away,” said Brad Stroh, co-founder and co-chief executive officer at Achieve. “Parents are busier than ever and struggle to keep up with monitoring their kids purchases. However, its important that they have a game plan to teach their kids financial awareness so they understand the value of money early on.”

The survey also examined allowances and how families approach financial education. Fifty-seven percent of parents said they give their children a regular allowance, most often in cash (73%). On average, kids receive $119 a month, though 14% get more than $250. Still, only 12% of parents said their children never overspend their allowance.

When unauthorized purchases happen, parents respond in a variety of ways. More than half (56%) said they address the problem by talking with their kids, while others take away a device (23%), require repayment (20%), or freeze or restrict bank account access (11%).

Two-thirds of parents (66%) said they would feel more relaxed about their childrens spending if they believed their kids truly understood the value of money. But 61% admitted they wish a financial expert could step in to teach their children healthy spending habits for them.

“Theres no single right way to teach kids to have a healthy relationship with money, but the key is for parents to have a thoughtful, tailored and consistent approach to their kids financial education,” Stroh said. “Starting conversations with kids about money early on will set them up for a more successful financial future.”



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