in-app purchases and free trials

Gems Aren't Free

Nana's cooking show serves up a surprise bill: Gary taps four times on a countdown offer in Sharkley's new game Gem Splash, and Tank discovers his 'free trial' has charged him three months in a row. Shelldon explains what gems really cost.

Coming soon

This episode is on its way to YouTube.

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Today's rule: Ask before you buy, even gems.

What kids learn

  • Gems, coins and skins cost real money
  • Free trials can turn into bills
  • Ask a grown-up before buying anything
Quiz time

Can you get them all?

A game sells 1,000 gems. What are gems bought with?
An offer says "only 4 minutes left!" What should you do?
Play the game

💎 Is It Really Free?

Gems, coins, free trials… Which ones cost real money?

For parents & teachers

Talk about it together

  • Turn on purchase approval ('ask to buy') on your child's devices and app store accounts.
  • Remove saved payment cards from children's devices, or require a password for every purchase.
  • Explain that gems, coins, skins and passes are bought with real money.
  • Free trials usually turn into subscriptions: set a reminder to cancel.
Read more

In-App Purchases and Free Trials: Gems Cost Real Money

Many games sell virtual currency (gems, coins, crystals) that makes it easy to forget that real money is being spent.

Read the full guide →