Safer online gaming
Check out our essential tips for parents and young people to ensure positive and safe online gaming experiences.
In-app purchases and loot boxes
Online games often offer players the opportunity to make purchases within the platform and win random rewards. Find out what you should know about in-app purchases to help your children avoid gambling-like behaviours. Advice for caregivers and whānau.
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Last Updated11/07/2025
In-app purchases on mobile games
Sometimes referred to as “in-app” or “in-game” purchasing, this refers to the ability to buy extra content or subscriptions within a game.
In-app purchases may enable users to:
- Buy additional features e.g. purchase in-game currency, customise the look of the player or other items, or purchase game items or loot boxes.
- Remove obstacles in a game.
- Remove advertisements from a game.
With the increase of “free-to-play” games there are often hidden costs in games, frequent advertising, or games that use pushy tactics to get players to make purchases. Game designers can use a lot of different techniques to make a game difficult to play without making purchases. This can be really frustrating for children trying to play these games.
Whilst occasional purchases might be okay for some families, games where children are constantly feeling the need to make purchases to advance or enjoy the game are not recommended. Watching game play or reading comprehensive reviews e.g. from Common Sense Media(https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews), can help you identify these pushy features..
Managing your child's in-app purchases
Indicators for the availability of in-app purchases are usually found near the “Get” button when installing the app. It's a good idea to discuss purchase expectations and permissions with your child and to make sure:
- You set up appropriate limits on purchasing e.g. by using parental controls.
- The games your child is playing don't apply frequent pressure on kids to make purchases.
If you are concerned about in-app purchases and want to restrict this capability, both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store offer guides on how to add passwords to manage purchases.
Follow the instructions below to set these up:
Manage in-app purchases on the Google Play store
- Open the Google Play store app.
- Tap menu settings.
- Tap require authentication for purchases.
- Choose a setting.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Manage in-app purchases on the Apple app store
- Go to Settings > Screen Time, then tap 'turn on screen time'.
- Tap 'continue', then choose “This is my [device]” or “This is my child’s [device]”.
- Tap 'content & privacy restrictions'. If asked, enter your passcode, then turn on 'content & privacy'.
- Tap iTunes & app store purchases.
- Tap in-app purchases and set to 'don’t allow'.
The full guide from Apple is available here.(https://support.apple.com/en-nz/102470)
Games with loot boxes
Loot boxes are virtual items in video games that players can either purchase or earn through gameplay.
These boxes contain random rewards, such as in-game currency, cosmetic items, or other virtual goods.
The contents of a loot box are not known until it is opened, introducing a chance element that resembles gambling. In general, it's not recommended for children to be making chance-based purchases. If a parent decides to allow this, it's recommended families put firm limits around the frequency and amounts permitted.
For more information about loot boxes, the Classification Office provides a useful guide for parents and families. This guide can help you navigate the world of gaming: Understanding loot boxes(https://www.classificationoffice.govt.nz/resources/items/understanding-loot-boxes-a-guide-for-parents-and-wh%C4%81nau/).
Contact Netsafe
If you or someone you know needs some advice about online gaming or another online issue, you can contact Netsafe for advice and guidance. Our helpline is free, confidential and available 7 days a week.