Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. If you come across an account that appears to belong to someone under 13, you can report it to Facebook for review.
Why is there an age limit on Facebook?
Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old in order to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This law protects the privacy of children under 13 and regulates websites and online services that collect personal information from children.
How can I tell if a Facebook account belongs to someone under 13?
There are a few signs that may indicate a Facebook user is under 13:
- Their profile states they are under 13 years old
- Posts and photos depict a child
- Writing style and language reflects a younger age
- Friends list includes many other users who appear to be children
However, it’s not always easy to confirm the age of a Facebook user just from their profile and activity. The only way to be sure is if they explicitly state they are under 13.
How do I report an underage Facebook account?
If you come across a Facebook account that you believe belongs to someone under 13, you can report it to Facebook by following these steps:
- Go to the user’s profile page
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner
- Select “Report” from the dropdown menu
- Choose “Pretending to be someone else”
- Select “Someone under 13 years old”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your report
Facebook will investigate the account based on the information you provide. If they confirm the user is under 13, the account will be removed.
What happens when an underage account is reported?
When an underage Facebook account is reported, here’s what typically happens:
- Facebook reviews the report and investigates the account
- They look for signs of age violation such as a stated age under 13 in the profile
- If they find clear evidence the user is underage, the account will be disabled
- The underage user will no longer be able to access their profile or information
- They will be required to provide proof of age to reinstate the account
Facebook aims to promptly review all reports of underage users in order to enforce their age policy. Accounts found to violate the age limit are removed as a safety precaution.
What if I’m not sure if the user is under 13?
If you suspect a Facebook user may be under 13 but don’t have clear evidence, you can still report the profile following the steps above. On the report form, be sure to explain why you believe the account may belong to an underage user.
Facebook will review the circumstances to try to make a determination. However, without strong proof like an stated age, they may not take action against the account. But reporting it can help Facebook monitor the account more closely.
Can I get in trouble for reporting inaccurately?
You cannot get in trouble for making a report in good faith. Facebook understands users may make inaccurate reports on occasion as long as they sincerely believed the account was underage when making the report.
However, deliberately making false reports about accounts not violating any policies could get your account warned or suspended.
Should I tell the user I’m reporting them?
It’s best not to directly engage with a user you suspect is underage. Contacting them could be seen as inappropriate interaction with a minor.
Instead, simply report the account to Facebook as outlined above. You do not need to notify the user or provide any explanation.
Can I report anonymously?
Yes, reporting underage Facebook accounts can be done anonymously. The user will not be notified who reported them.
Your name is optional on the reporting form. Facebook suggests providing your name in case they need additional details, but leaving it blank will keep the report anonymous.
What if Facebook doesn’t remove the account?
If you reported an account you strongly believe is underage and the account remains active, Facebook may not have found clear evidence of age violation during their investigation.
You can file another report providing additional information that supports your claim. Or you can block the user so you no longer see their account activity.
While Facebook does take age limit policies seriously, they must balance enforcing rules with allowing legitimate accounts to remain online.
Conclusion
Protecting young Facebook users is a shared responsibility. When you come across accounts that appear to violate the minimum age rules, take a few minutes to report them to Facebook. Your report could lead to increased safety and privacy for children online.