Can I Create an Among Us Account for My Child?

Yes, you can create an Among Us account for your child, but it’s essential to understand the age restrictions and the parental consent process. The game requires users under the age of 13 to obtain parental permission before creating an account. This is in place to protect children’s privacy and ensure they have a safe online experience. Let’s dive deeper into the process and related considerations.

Understanding Age Restrictions and Parental Controls

The world of online gaming can be a captivating place for kids. Among Us, with its engaging gameplay and social interaction, is a prime example. However, like any online platform, it comes with considerations for younger players, particularly regarding their safety and privacy. Developers are very aware of the implications of children gaming and are committed to creating a safe environment for children.

The core issue revolves around the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a US law that places restrictions on the online collection of personal information from children under 13. Because of COPPA, Among Us requires parental consent for children under 13 to create an account and access certain features.

Navigating the Parental Consent Process

So, how does this work in practice? Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in creating an Among Us account for a child under 13:

1. Registration Initiation: When a child attempts to create an account and indicates that they are under 13, the game prompts them to provide a parent’s or legal guardian’s email address.
2. Parental Notification: InnerSloth, the game developer, sends an email to the provided address. This email contains information about the game, its features, and the type of data that will be collected from the child.
3. Consent and Verification: The parent or guardian must then follow the instructions in the email to grant consent for their child to create an account. This often involves verifying their identity to ensure that the person providing consent is indeed an adult. Kids Web Services (KWS), a trusted third-party service used by many online games, often handles this verification process.
4. Account Creation: Once parental consent is granted, the child can create their account. Among Us automatically generates randomized usernames for registered child users.
5. Custom Username (Optional): The parent or legal guardian can grant the child permission to create a custom username if they wish. This decision should be made carefully, considering the potential for inappropriate usernames.

Bypassing Parental Controls: A Risk

One of the concerns highlighted in the research is that children may attempt to bypass these parental controls by claiming to be older than 13. This can have serious consequences, as it removes the protections and limitations designed to keep them safe online. This is why it’s crucial for parents to be involved in their children’s online activities and have open conversations about online safety.

Additional Safety Settings and Considerations

• Platform-Specific Controls: Remember that additional safety settings may be available on the platform you are using to play the game (e.g., iOS, Android, Steam). Explore these settings to further customize your child’s experience.
• In-Game Settings: Among Us offers some in-game safety settings, such as the ability to control friend requests and game invitations. While you cannot completely disable chat, you can block other players and filter inappropriate comments.
• Content Considerations: The Apple Store suggests Among Us is appropriate for kids aged nine and up, due to infrequent cartoonish violence and horror themes. The ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) rates it 10+. Consider your child’s maturity level and sensitivity to these themes before allowing them to play.
• Open Communication: The most important thing is to have open and honest conversations with your child about online safety, appropriate behavior, and the potential risks of interacting with strangers online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about creating and managing Among Us accounts for children:

1. What is the minimum age to play Among Us without parental consent? The minimum age to play Among Us without parental consent is 13. Users under 13 require parental permission to create an account.

2. How do I provide parental consent for my child’s Among Us account? When your child attempts to create an account and indicates they are under 13, they will be prompted to provide your email address. You will then receive an email with instructions on how to grant consent and verify your identity.

3. What happens if my child lies about their age to bypass parental controls? If your child lies about their age, they can bypass the parental consent process and access the game without the protections and limitations designed for younger players. This increases their risk of exposure to inappropriate content or online predators.

4. Can I create a custom username for my child’s Among Us account? Among Us automatically generates randomized usernames for registered child users unless the parent or legal guardian grants permission to create a custom username.

5. What kind of personal information does Among Us collect from children? The email requesting permission should outline all details of the information gathered from the child.

6. Are there parental control features available within the game? Yes, Among Us offers some safety settings, such as the ability to control friend requests and game invitations. Players can also block other users and filter inappropriate comments.

7. Is Among Us safe for young children? The ESRB rates Among Us 10+, indicating it may not be suitable for children under 10 due to cartoon violence and horror themes. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level before allowing them to play.

8. Can I monitor my child’s activity within Among Us? While Among Us doesn’t offer extensive monitoring tools, you can encourage your child to share their gameplay experiences with you and discuss any concerns they may have.

9. What should I do if my child encounters inappropriate content or behavior within the game? Instruct your child to immediately block the offending player and report the behavior to Among Us support. You should also discuss the incident with your child and reinforce the importance of online safety.

10. How can I help my child stay safe while playing Among Us?

    • Have open and honest conversations about online safety.
    • Encourage them to play with friends they know in real life.
    • Monitor their gameplay and be aware of who they are interacting with.
    • Teach them how to block and report inappropriate behavior.
    • Remind them never to share personal information online.

11. Does Among Us have voice chat? While Among Us does not have built-in voice chat, players often use third-party voice chat apps like Discord or Teamspeak. This can pose a risk for younger players, as it can expose them to unfiltered conversations with strangers. Parents should be aware of this and discuss the potential risks with their children.

12. Is Among Us educational? While primarily a game for entertainment, Among Us can help develop skills like logic, deduction, and teamwork. Players need to use critical thinking and communication to identify the imposter and complete tasks. For more resources on the educational value of gaming, explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

13. My child wants to play Among Us with strangers. Is this safe? Playing with strangers carries risks, including exposure to inappropriate content or online predators. Encourage your child to play with friends they know in real life or closely monitor their interactions with strangers.

14. What are some alternative games that are safer for younger children? There are many age-appropriate games available for younger children. Some popular options include Minecraft (with parental controls enabled), Roblox (with careful monitoring), and various educational games designed for specific age groups.

15. I’m having trouble creating an account for my child. Where can I get help? You can visit the InnerSloth website for their support page or their FAQ for common troubleshooting steps.

Conclusion

Creating an Among Us account for your child is possible, but it requires a thoughtful approach that prioritizes their safety and well-being. By understanding the age restrictions, navigating the parental consent process, and implementing additional safety measures, you can help your child enjoy the game responsibly and safely. Remember, open communication and active involvement in their online activities are key to ensuring a positive and safe gaming experience.