5 YO spends £1700 on ipad games in 15 MINUTES

[#1]

From the Inq (http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2251942/toddler-goes-on-gbp1-700-inapp-ipad-spending-spree)

Quote

BBC News reports that Mrs Kitchen, from Bristol, said that there were a lot of distracting things going on when young Danny asked Mr Kitchen for the iPad passcode so that he might enjoy a "free download". Mr Kitchen apparently thought, "Why not?" and put in the code. Danny Kitchen then downloaded the free app, which was a game of some sort. Then, during what we understand to be around 15 minutes of play, he made a number of in-app purchases for add-ons - £1,700 worth.

Now this is just plain stupid, what controls are on these games if someone can spend £1700 in 15 minutes playing it? If it had been a bit of malware then I could have understood it but a FREE game?

[#2]

But why need a passcode in the first place unless there was a link to debit/credit card as it seems is the case here.
What right-minded person would give uncontrolled access to their finances to a child?
It's the parents' responsibility not the app/game makers.

[#3]

No there is a 15 min window that allows AUTO purchase after you have bought something/entered your password, I assume that the p/w was needed to download the game, I don't know as I don't own an ipad and never will.

[#4]

You and me alike regarding iPads
If it was my child I would have done the download myself then removed the password (or signed out) before giving the iPad back.
When I read this last week in the Daily Mail Apple weren't interested in helping them but it seems they've had a change of heart.

[#5]

How STOOPID can a parent be?  Serves them right... should be made to pay.... they will think twice about it next time.... (if there is a next time ! ! !) ...

[#6]

What giving a 5 YO an ipad or buying them games?

[#7]

Giving them the pass code.... and not supervising its use....

[#8]

It didn't say she gave the passcode, only entered it.

[#9]

There are parental controls available to turn off in-app purchases. It's quite simple to do if they ever bothered to even look.  
That being said, there are an increasing number of freemium games available, always nagging you to spend real money to progress 'slightly' quicker or get extra content.