How to limit kid’s game purchases on Steam?

Steam Family Sharing is a feature that lets you share your game library with other family members. However, it has limitations when it comes to purchase restrictions. Anyone with access to your account can make purchases unless additional measures are taken.

This article explores different methods for controlling in-app purchases on Steam, focusing on preventing children from making unauthorized game purchases. We’ll cover several techniques, ranging from simple account settings adjustments to using third-party parental control software.

In this article, you will learn how to:

• Configure Steam Family Sharing for safer use by children.
• Set up and use Steam’s built-in security features.
• Implement third-party parental control solutions to further restrict game purchases.

Setting up a Family Account and Defining Spending Limits

To limit your kid’s game purchases on Steam, setting up a family account is a good first step. This allows you to control their spending.

Setting up a Family Account:

1. Sign in to your own Steam account. This will be the account that manages your child’s account.
2. Go to the Steam Family Sharing settings. You’ll find this in the Steam client settings.
3. Authorize your child’s computer. This links their computer to your account, allowing them to use your games. Note that only one device can be authorized at a time. When another computer attempts to be linked to your family library, you will be prompted to unauthorize the previous machine.
4. Create a Steam account for your child (if they don’t already have one). Make sure to use their age appropriately, to set the right access permissions.
5. Add the child’s account to your family. Steam will guide you through the process of adding them to your Family View. Once the account has been added to your Steam Family Library, you are able to set spending limits for this account.

Defining Spending Limits:

1. Access your Steam Family settings.
2. Select your child’s account.
3. Set a spending limit. This is crucial. Consider your child’s age, allowance, and the typical cost of games they might want. Start with a low limit and increase it gradually as needed. Choose a limit that you are comfortable with and that fits your budget. You can always adjust this later.
4. Review the limits regularly. Ensure the limit is still appropriate and adjust as your child grows and their gaming habits change.

Additional Recommendations:

• Consider using parental control software on your child’s computer in addition to using Steam’s family view. This will provide an additional layer of security. For more robust controls, you might explore paid options like mSpy or FlexiSpy.
• Talk to your child about responsible spending and the importance of saving.
• Make game purchases a family activity. Discuss what games are appropriate and age-suitable together. Involve them in the decision-making process.

Remember that while these features help manage spending, open communication with your child about online purchases is equally important.

Utilizing Steam Family Sharing for Controlled Access

Steam Family Sharing allows you to share your game library with other accounts, but it needs careful setup to restrict purchases. You can’t directly prevent purchases on a child’s account through Family Sharing alone, but you can control which games they access.

Authorizing Specific Games:

1. On your account (the main account): Go to Steam settings. Find the Family section. Add the child’s account as an authorized user.
2. Select games: Only the games you choose will be available to the child. The child will not see or access the other games in your library.
3. Child’s access: The child can only play the games you’ve authorized. They cannot make purchases unless you provide them with your main account’s payment method.

Limitations and Workarounds:

• Limitation: The child can still access your entire library if they use your account directly. This workaround requires strict rules to avoid misuse. The main account should never be left logged in.
• Workaround (Strong Parental Control): In addition to Family Sharing, consider using a parental control app like mSpy or FlexiSpy to monitor and control the child’s computer usage.

Exploring ThirdParty Parental Control Software

Third-party parental control software offers features that Steam’s built-in controls may lack, providing a more comprehensive approach to managing your child’s in-game spending.

Benefits:

• Centralized control: Manage multiple platforms and devices from a single dashboard, not just Steam.
• Granular control: Set precise limits on spending and time limits on specific games or apps, offering more flexibility than Steam alone.
• Detailed reporting: Track your child’s online activity, providing insights into their gaming habits and spending patterns.
• Content filtering: Block inappropriate games or websites, ensuring a safer online environment.
• Remote monitoring: Monitor your child’s activity even when you are not physically present.

Drawbacks:

• Cost: Most robust parental control apps come with a subscription fee.
• Complexity: Setting up and managing these apps can sometimes be complex.
• Privacy concerns: Granting access to your child’s online activity raises concerns about privacy, requiring a careful balance.

Reliable Options:

Note: Always read reviews and compare features before choosing a parental control app. Free options might be sufficient for basic needs, while paid options provide more comprehensive control and features. It is crucial to consider privacy implications when installing any parental control software.

Educating Children About Responsible Spending Habits

Teaching children about smart spending starts with open conversations. Explain that online games often have in-app purchases which can add up quickly. Use relatable examples like: ‘Imagine if you spent your allowance on one candy bar instead of several smaller ones.’ This helps them grasp the value of money.

Set clear rules and boundaries. Decide together on a reasonable spending limit for game purchases. For example: ‘You can spend up to $5 a month on Steam games.’ This will require monitoring and some discipline, but it helps kids practice decision making.

Consider using a visual aid, like a chart. Each time your child wants to make a purchase, they can track it on the chart, seeing their remaining budget decrease. This visualization makes financial management more tangible.

Make it a learning experience. Instead of simply saying ‘no’, discuss the reasons behind spending limits. For instance, ‘If you spend all your money on one game, you won’t have funds for other activities, like ice cream with friends’ or ‘We need to save for future family trips!’

Using free parental control features on Steam such as family sharing and purchase restrictions is useful, alongside open communication about responsible spending habits.

For additional help with monitoring and setting spending limits, you may consider mSpy or FlexiSpy (paid parental control apps).

We explored several methods to restrict your child’s game purchases on Steam. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Steam Family Sharing: Strength: Simple setup. Weakness: Requires another adult account; doesn’t entirely prevent access if your child figures out the system.
• Parental Controls within Steam: Strength: Built-in, easy to use. Weakness: Limited control and only works on the child’s account. Needs ongoing adjustments.
• Operating System Level Restrictions: Strength: Powerful control over access to the entire system. Weakness: More technical expertise required and could impact other software use.
• Third-Party Parental Control Software: Strength: Comprehensive features, potentially across multiple devices and platforms. Weakness: Often paid; may require more time to set up and understand.

Remember, no single method provides perfect protection. Ongoing monitoring is crucial. Regularly check your child’s Steam activity, adjust spending limits, and review the age ratings of games they play. As your child grows, their gaming habits and understanding of online safety will also change. You’ll need to adapt your approach to keep pace. For more advanced control, consider using a comprehensive paid parental control application, such as mSpy or FlexiSpy, in addition to the free options we have described. These applications offer more sophisticated features and tracking capabilities.

For further assistance with online safety, consult resources like Common Sense Media and Steam’s own support pages.