UK parents change settings stop app downloads or purchases 2021

According to a 2020-2021 survey of parents in the United Kingdom (UK), the majority of respondents are aware that tablet or smartphone settings can be changed to prevent unwanted app downloads and in-app purchases. Overall, parents of children aged between five and six were more likely to not only be aware of such controls, but also to use them, while 28 percent of parents of young teens reported being aware of this possibility but choosing not to use it.

Parents in the United Kingdom (UK) who change the settings on their children's devices to avoid in-app purchases or app downloads as of January 2021, by age group

Characteristic	5-7	8-11	12-15
Aware and use	41%	38%	23%
Aware but do not use	16%	18%	28%
Total aware	57%	56%	51%
Total not aware	43%	44%	49%

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Release date

April 2021

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

October 2020 to January 2021

Age group

5-15 years

Special properties

parents whose child uses a smartphone or tablet computer

Method of interview

Online survey

Supplementary notes

Original question: "Before today, were you aware of any of these types of technical tools or controls? Change the settings on your child’s phone or tablet to stop apps being downloaded or stop in-app purchases "

Base: Parents of children aged 3-15 (782 aged 3-4, 756 aged 5-7, 694 aged 8-11, 740 aged 12-15).

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