Almost 20 percent of UK children aged between 8 and 16 (almost 1 million) are making use of their parents' credit cards without the latter's consent to buy products online, according to a study.

Such items include latest gadgets, computer games and fashion accessories. The amount that is spent by children without their parents' consent for these purposes reaches GBP 191 million a year, while the average cost for a purchase of this kind reaches GBP 25. Almost one in 20 children accumulates bills worth between GBP 75 and GBP 100 every time. The study also indicates the fact that parents do not take the necessary measures to prevent children from accessing their financial information, as 44 percent have the habit of bookmarking their preferred online shopping websites and almost a third save their bank card information online. This situation occurs because most parents do not even suspect that their children use their e-wallet without letting them now. Only 6 percent of those involved declare that their children have access to their credit card information. Nearly 2 percent suspect their children of using their e-wallets for online purchases without their permission.
The research was carried out by life assistance company CPP.