Kids as young as six years old donate money to online streamers without parents knowing

Almost a quarter (23 percent) of those who do this, spend money in this way on a daily basis, while 31 percent do so every week.

Worryingly, 11 percent of parents have discovered their little ones have given money to streamers – without them knowing.

A third of parents want restrictions on how much money their kids can donate to streamers online.

And 57 percent didn’t even know kids can donate funds to content creators and streamers.

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 found just 16 percent of kids polled admitted they ask for their parent’s permission “every time” they give money to streamers.

Reasons for not always getting their blessing included knowing they’d say no (18 percent), and because their bank details were stored online so they assumed it would be fine (16 percent).

The research also 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 percent), supporting their favourite channel (46 percent), and because giving money “seemed fun” (45 percent).

Others did it to access additional content (39 percent), and to receive a public shout-out from the influencer (44 percent).

Of those who earn money or receive pocket money, 77 percent 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 percent) had no choice but to implement parental locks and controls.

And one in three (33 percent) 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.”