Verifying Your Child’s Pokémon GO Account: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re diving into the world of Pokémon GO with your child? Excellent choice! It’s a fantastic way to get them active, explore their surroundings, and engage in a fun, social activity. But first, verifying your child’s account is crucial to ensure their safety and privacy within the game. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to do just that:

The primary method to verify your child’s Pokémon GO account hinges on creating either a Pokémon Trainer Club (PTC) account or utilizing a Niantic Kids account. If your child is under 13*, you’ll likely be directed toward the Niantic Kids system. Both methods require parental verification to grant permissions and ensure a safe gaming experience. The verification process generally involves you, as the parent, creating an account for yourself, and then either adding your child as a sub-account (PTC) or managing permissions through the Niantic Kids Parent Portal. Always use current and accurate information during registration to avoid any issues. *Age may vary by region due to local laws.*

Understanding the Two Main Account Options

Before we jump into the specifics, let’s clarify the two main account types available for younger Pokémon GO players:

• Pokémon Trainer Club (PTC) Account: This is the more traditional option. You create a PTC account for yourself and then add your child as a sub-account under your management. This gives you control over their privacy settings and game permissions.

• Niantic Kids Account: This is a dedicated system created by Niantic to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It offers robust parental controls and allows you to review and approve all permission requests your child makes within the game. This account is designed for users under 13*.

Step-by-Step Verification Process Using Niantic Kids

1. Start the Game: When your child opens Pokémon GO for the first time, they’ll be prompted to enter their birthdate.

2. Choose Niantic Kids: If the entered birthdate indicates they are under 13*, the game will direct them to the Niantic Kids login option.

3. Create a Parent Account (if needed): You, as the parent, need to either log into an existing Niantic Kids account or create a new one. Go to the Niantic Kids Parent Portal to register.

4. Verify Your Identity: This is a crucial step. The Niantic Kids system requires you to verify your identity in accordance with COPPA and GDPR regulations. This might involve providing additional information or using a verification service.

5. Grant Permissions: Once your identity is verified, you can review and grant permissions for your child to play Pokémon GO. This includes things like location access, friend requests, and in-game interactions.

6. Manage Your Child’s Account: Through the Niantic Kids Parent Portal, you can manage your child’s privacy settings, review their activity, and tailor their experience within the game.

Step-by-Step Verification Process Using Pokémon Trainer Club (PTC)

1. Create Your PTC Account: If you don’t already have one, create a Pokémon Trainer Club account at club.pokemon.com. You must be 13* or older to create your own account.

2. Log In and Add Your Child: Once logged in, navigate to the section where you can add a child account.

3. Enter Your Child’s Information: Provide the necessary information for your child’s account, ensuring accuracy.

4. Accept Terms and Conditions: Carefully review and accept the terms and conditions on behalf of your child.

5. Configure Privacy Settings: Configure the appropriate privacy settings for your child’s account.

6. Link to Pokémon GO (if needed): In some cases, you may need to link the PTC account to your child’s Pokémon GO profile within the game’s settings.

Troubleshooting Common Verification Issues

• Incorrect Birthdate: If you accidentally entered the wrong birthdate, you may need to delete and reinstall the Pokémon GO app. This will allow you to enter the correct date upon re-installation.

• Failed Login Attempts: If you’re receiving “failed to log in” or “unable to authenticate” errors, check your internet connection and ensure that the Pokémon GO servers are not experiencing any issues.

• Verification Failure: If your identity verification fails, double-check the information you’ve provided and try again. If the problem persists, contact Niantic support for assistance.

• Missing Login Options: Ensure that you are using the appropriate login method for your child’s account (Niantic Kids or PTC). If the Niantic Kids option is missing, it might indicate that the app hasn’t detected the under 13* age range.

Benefits of Verifying Your Child’s Account

• Compliance with COPPA and GDPR: Verification ensures that Niantic is complying with legal requirements regarding children’s online privacy.

• Parental Controls: Verification gives you access to parental controls that allow you to manage your child’s experience within the game.

• Privacy Protection: You can control what information your child shares with other players and restrict potentially harmful interactions.

• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your child’s account is verified and protected gives you peace of mind while they enjoy playing Pokémon GO.

Pokémon GO and Learning

Pokémon GO is more than just a game, it can also be a valuable learning tool. The game promotes physical activity, exploration, and social interaction. For more insights into the educational potential of gaming, consider exploring the work of the Games Learning Society.

The Games Learning Society is a research community dedicated to understanding how games can be used to enhance learning. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about verifying your child’s Pokémon GO account:

1. What is COPPA, and why is it important for Pokémon GO?

COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) is a US federal law that protects the online privacy of children under 13. Niantic complies with COPPA by requiring parental consent for children to use Pokémon GO and by providing tools for parents to manage their child’s account.

2. What is GDPR, and how does it relate to Pokémon GO?

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a European Union law that protects the personal data of individuals. Niantic complies with GDPR by providing users with control over their data and by implementing robust data security measures.

3. Can my 10-year-old play Pokémon GO?

Yes, but parental consent and verification are required. As the article highlights, there is parental control measures that can allow your child to play Pokemon Go.

4. What happens if I enter the wrong birthdate when creating my child’s account?

You may need to delete and reinstall the Pokémon GO app to correct the birthdate. Make sure to verify your child’s account following the correct birth date being entered.

5. My child is over 13; do I still need to verify their account?

While direct parental verification isn’t typically required for users over 13, they will still need to agree to the game’s Terms of Service and ensure their account is secure.

6. How do I change my child’s age on Pokémon GO?

As mentioned earlier, delete and reinstall the Pokémon GO app. After reinstalling, you’ll be prompted to enter the birthdate again.

7. What are the limitations of a Pokémon GO child account?

Child accounts have limitations such as restricted in-game interactions, the inability to see ads, and the requirement for parental approval for certain activities.

8. How do I register a Niantic Kids account?

Visit the Niantic Kids Parent Portal to register. You’ll need to provide your own email address and create a password.

9. Why can’t I create a Niantic Kids account?

Only parents can create Niantic Kids accounts for their children. Adults cannot create accounts for themselves using this system.

10. Is it safe for my child to link their Google or Facebook account to Pokémon GO?

For children under 13, Niantic Kids is the preferred and safest option. Avoid linking personal Google or Facebook accounts, as these may not offer the same level of parental control and privacy protection.

11. Where can I find my child’s Niantic ID?

Your Niantic ID can be found in your Niantic Profile in Campfire or on the web portal at my.nianticlabs.com.

12. What should I do if I forget my Pokémon Trainer Club username or password?

From the Pokémon Trainer Club sign-in page, select “Forgot your username?” or “Forgot your password?” and follow the instructions to recover your credentials.

13. Can my child interact with sponsored content in Pokémon GO?

Child accounts can only interact with in-game sponsored content with a parent’s or legal guardian’s permission.

14. What happens if my child violates the Pokémon GO Terms of Service?

Their account may be suspended or terminated. It’s important to discuss the rules of the game with your child and ensure they understand the consequences of cheating or other violations.

15. How can I stay informed about updates and changes to Pokémon GO’s privacy policies?

Regularly check the Niantic website and the Pokémon GO app for updates to their privacy policies and terms of service.

By following these steps and keeping these FAQs in mind, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Pokémon GO experience for your child. Happy gaming! Age may vary by region due to local laws.