Quick Answer
To access Facebook Marketplace, you must be at least 18 years old. Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account, but imposes additional age restrictions for accessing certain features, such as Marketplace.
Facebook’s Age Requirements
Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. This is in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prohibits online services from knowingly collecting personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.
However, Facebook imposes additional age restrictions for accessing certain features beyond basic account creation and use. For example, to create a dating profile, share live videos, or access Facebook Marketplace, you must be at least 18 years old.
Here is an overview of Facebook’s age requirements:
| Feature | Minimum Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Create a Facebook account | 13 years |
| Create a Facebook Dating profile | 18 years |
| Go Live on Facebook | 18 years |
| Access Facebook Marketplace | 18 years |
Facebook requires users to provide their actual birth date when creating an account. If a user enters an age below the minimum required for certain features, those features will be restricted.
Why Marketplace Has an 18+ Age Requirement
Facebook imposed an 18+ age minimum for accessing Marketplace for a few key reasons:
– To comply with regulations – Certain activities like financial transactions, advertising, and sales may have legal age minimums that Facebook must comply with.
– To restrict minor exposure to strangers – Facebook likely wants to limit how much minors can interact with unknown adults, which is elevated on a marketplace platform.
– To reduce liability – By restricting Marketplace to adult users, Facebook reduces potential liability risks associated with underage users.
– To reduce inappropriate content – An 18+ policy helps limit inappropriate or mature content in Marketplace listings.
– To align with e-commerce norms – Most e-commerce platforms require users to be 18+ to buy and sell. Facebook set the age minimum to be consistent with industry standards.
Overall, the 18+ requirement for Marketplace is intended to create a safer, compliant environment for Marketplace transactions in line with Facebook’s values and legal obligations. The policy helps protect both underage users as well as the company itself.
Setting Up a Facebook Marketplace Account
To access Facebook Marketplace, users must first create a standard Facebook account and provide their real date of birth showing they are 18 or older.
Here are the steps to set up a Facebook Marketplace account:
1. Go to www.facebook.com and click Create New Account.
2. Enter your name, email or mobile phone number, password, birthday, and gender.
3. Click Sign Up and confirm your account via email or text message.
4. On your Facebook feed, click Marketplace in the left menu.
5. Click Get Started and select your location.
6. Facebook will prompt you to complete your profile before accessing Marketplace. Add a profile photo, fill out bio info, and complete your profile to 100%.
7. Once your profile is complete, you will be able to view and access Facebook Marketplace.
If you try accessing Marketplace on an existing account before age 18, you will get an error message stating:
“You must be 18 years old or older to access Facebook Marketplace. Marketplace is not available for people under 18.”
The account must show an age of 18+ to use Marketplace features.
Using a Parent or Guardian’s Account
Facebook does not allow minors to use Marketplace even if they have permission from a parent or guardian. Marketplace requires each individual user to be 18 or older.
However, teens under 18 can aid parents in buying or selling on Marketplace using their parent’s account, with supervision. For example:
– A parent can create Marketplace listings that their teenage child is selling.
– Teens can help parents communicate with buyers and arrange logistics using the parent’s account.
– Parents can review all conversations and transactions made on their account.
– Payment information must remain in the parent’s name.
– Meetups must be supervised by the parent.
While parents may involve their teenagers in Marketplace activities on a supervised basis, the account holder must remain the adult. Minors are prohibited from conducting their own independent transactions through Facebook’s policies.
joining Facebook to Access Marketplace
Some key tips for teens and others under 18 who want to join Facebook specifically to access Marketplace include:
– Wait until your 18th birthday to create an account. Providing false age information violates Facebook’s terms.
– Use an alternate platform for buying and selling, like OfferUp, Craigslist, Letgo, or others that have different or no age limits.
– Consider selling exclusively on closed platforms intended for minors like Spark Teen or Kidizen.
– If you want to aid parents on Marketplace, ask them to create the listings and handle communications using their account.
– Ensure your parents are aware of your activities using their account and that they supervise all transactions.
– Be patient! Facebook Marketplace will still be around when you turn 18.
While Marketplace may seem enticing, it’s best to wait until you meet the 18+ age requirement rather than risk account restriction by providing false information. Under 18 users should explore other platforms more suitable and legal for their age group.
Signs of Maturity for Using Marketplace
For teenagers nearing 18 who feel ready to use platforms like Facebook Marketplace independently, demonstrating maturity will be key for parents to grant permission. Consider showing:
– Responsibility – Take on mature tasks at home and jobs to prove you are responsible.
– Trustworthiness – Be honest and build trust with parents about who you socialize with or date.
– Independence – Show you can drive, schedule things, make appointments, etc. without help.
– Financial literacy – Take a personal finance class and know how to manage money wisely.
– Online safety – Explain to parents how you will safely meet people and know how to identify scams.
– Communication skills – Show you can communicate with unknown adults appropriately if issues arise.
– Critical thinking – Make wise choices in school and life that reflect strong critical thinking.
– Discretion – Keep personal details private and understand what’s appropriate to share online.
Gaining traction in these areas will assure parents you have the maturity to use Marketplace or similar platforms properly at 18. Taking these steps can help teens work toward accessing the platform independently in the future.
Appealing Facebook Marketplace Age Restrictions
In limited cases, Facebook may allow users under 18 to appeal age restrictions on Marketplace. To request access, users can:
1. Click “Request Review” on the Marketplace age restriction message.
2. Select the reason you are requesting review.
3. Add a comment explaining why you should access Marketplace early.
4. Click Submit.
Facebook will review the request and stated reason. Appeals are more likely to be granted for:
– Business owners – Those running registered businesses may get earlier access.
– Emancipated minors – Those who are legally independent from parents may appeal.
– Close to 18 – Facebook may grant access a few months early in some cases.
However, strong reasons are needed, and most underage users are still denied access. Providing false information is always forbidden.
Overall, appeals seldom overturn Marketplace age limits before a user turns 18. The requirement is firm in most cases for safety and regulatory reasons. But the appeals process gives select users the ability to request individual review if they have compelling reasons for needing access.
Conclusion
Facebook Marketplace requires users to be at least 18 years old due to safety, liability, compliance with regulations, and appropriateness for minors. While teenagers under 18 can aid parents on a supervised basis using their parent’s account, individuals must reach 18 before accessing and using Marketplace independently. Minors should focus on alternate selling platforms and demonstrate maturity before potentially gaining access at 18. While appeals are possible in unique cases, Facebook typically upholds the Marketplace age policy firmly for all users.