Girl spent $64,000 on mobile games, emptying her family’s savings

A 13-year-old Chinese girl spent $64,000 on smartphones within a few months. Consequently, she quickly wiped out her parent’s life savings without their knowledge. Moreover, not only did she spend her parents’ funds on herself, but she also splurged for her friends. She and her mother told a local news outlet they felt devastated by the issue.

Video games are becoming more popular nowadays, enabling everyone worldwide to enjoy fantastical worlds and compete with friends. Unfortunately, it can become an addiction if you do not control your game time, significantly harming your life.

This little girl’s story reminds us we must manage our time wisely. This article will discuss how a child spent $64,000 on mobile games in a few months. Later, I will explain how to control your game time.

How did a girl splurge $64,000 on online phone games?

Girl, 13, blows her Chinese family's life savings spending $64,000 on mobile phone games https://t.co/EucsPf85oV pic.twitter.com/XDP7mG0rUC

— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) June 9, 2023

The story of this Chinese girl was reported by Daily Mail US. The report said the Chinese kid was a secondary school student from Henan province who got addicted to video games. Eventually, she played even during school hours, causing teachers to talk to her parents.

In response, her mom, Gong Yiwang, checked her bank account. To her surprise and shock, it only had seven cents left! Her account showed the teenager has been splurging from January to May, 2022.

Local news portal Elephant News reached out to the family regarding the incident. Gong was quoted as saying “I never thought a 13-year-old girl could do this. I’m in a daze; my head feels like it will explode.”

According to the report, the girl hid the transactions because she was “clever” enough to delete their records. However, she eventually admitted to spending roughly RMB 120,000 or $17,000.

Moreover, she spent RMB 210,000 or $29,450 on in-game items and another RMB 100,000 or $14,000 for her classmates. She blamed peer pressure for her mistakes. “When they asked me to pay for their games, I paid despite feeling reluctant,” the girl was quoted as saying.

She added, “’If I didn’t send it to them, they would bother me all day. If I told the teacher, I was afraid that the teacher would tell my parents and that my parents would be angry.” Also, she said she did not understand the concept of money or how her parents worked for it.

The report said the girl’s mobile game spending spree started when she found a debit card at home. Gong Yiwang told her to use it only when she needed money at their house. Consequently, the mom gave her the card’s password. As a result, the child was able to link it to her gaming account.

How do you avoid getting addicted to mobile games?

Some tasks like work and school take 8 hours or more, but we never classify them as addictions. Activities only become addictions when they disrupt our normal daily functioning.

That is how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) defines Internet Gaming Disorder. Fortunately, you can prevent yourself or your child from becoming addicted to mobile games with these tips:

1. Assign a time limit on playing video games. For example, you may require your child to play only for two hours on the weekends and forbid video games during weekdays. Also, you can give yourself a two-hour limit daily.
2. Monitor game time using built-in apps and features. For example, the iOS Focus Mode lets you set a time limit for apps.
3. If you or your kid struggles to stop playing, keep your game consoles in a locked box or room. Only get them during your designated game time.
4. Engage in other hobbies away from computer or smartphone screens. For example, you and your kid may bike around your neighborhood or play sports more often than video games.

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Conclusion

A girl spent $64,000 on mobile games, exhausting her family savings. Eventually, her family shared what happened to the local news, astonishing people worldwide.

Studies show people suffer from IGD due to other problems. For example, a child may play video games to escape problems. If your kid plays video games too often, see if he has other issues.

Proper communication can help you and your kid manage your game time and live happily. You can learn more digital tips and trends at Inquirer Tech.