More than one in six children (17%) as young as six years old have donated money to online streamers – but just 16% ask their parent's permission “every time” they do so, according to research.
A tenth of parents (11%) have discovered that their youngsters have been giving money to content creators and influencers without parental knowledge or consent.
And nearly a quarter of children (23%), aged six to 16 years old, who donate to streaming platforms, do so on a daily basis, while three in ten (31%) spend money like this every week.
But 57%, of the 1,000 mums and dads polled, were not even aware that children could donate funds to streamers and content creators.
And a third of parents are now calling for restrictions on the amount of money their kids can donate to streamers online.
Dana Haidan, chief sustainability officer at Virgin Media O2, which commissioned the study ahead of “Safer Internet Day”, which takes place today [February 7], said: “With children spending increasing amounts of time online, it’s incredibly important to be aware of what they might be doing.
“A hugely popular and fun industry in content creation and streaming has emerged in recent years and for many parents, this could be completely alien to them.
“It’s not general knowledge to those who don’t watch streamers that it’s possible to donate money to them – whether as a thank you for their entertainment, or in order to access “VIP content”.”
The study also revealed the reasons why kids don't always ask for their parent's blessing when donating money online – including knowing they’d say no (18%), and because their bank details were stored online so they assumed it would be fine (16%).
And the research explored why children as young as six or seven are keen to donate money to streamers.
These include wanting to give something back to them (51%), supporting their favourite channel (46%), and because giving money “seemed fun” (45%).
Others did it to access additional content (39%), and to receive a public shout-out from the influencer (44%).
Of those who earn money or receive pocket money, 77% agreed they’d be likely to donate some of it to streamers.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also identified the action taken by parents upon realising their kids had been spending money online without their knowledge.
Almost half (46%) had no choice but to implement parental locks and controls.
And one in three (33%) took even more drastic action – restricting them from accessing the internet altogether.
However, this isn’t to say all mums and dads are completely against their little ones donating to streamers.
It emerged, if they were asked for permission, parents would allow their children to donate to streamers twice a month.
Dana Haidan, of Virgin Media O2, which has partnered with Internet Matters to provide advice for parents, added: “Streamers produce amazing content which engage a massively broad audience.
“And many youngsters now see this as a potential career due to the rise in its popularity.
“It’s understandable and very kind that followers want to express their gratitude and support, but its important kids do so with the knowledge and consent of their parent or guardian.
“That’s why we’re helping adults to have positive conversations with children and young people about checking before they donate, and how to be safe and sensible online.”
