How do you verify age on Pokémon GO?

To verify age on Pokémon GO, you need to create a Pokémon Trainer Club account for yourself if you don’t already have one, and then add your child as a new child account, which you manage, or if you’re a parent, you can set up an account for your child by using your Google email address or by setting up a Pokémon Trainer account, both of which require the child to be under the age of 13 to comply with COPPA regulations. The process involves entering the child’s birth date, and in some cases, providing additional parental consent to ensure the account is secure and compliant with kid-friendly standards.

Understanding Age Verification on Pokémon GO

The Importance of COPPA Compliance

Pokémon GO, like many other online platforms, must comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which requires any child-directed site or app collecting information from children under 13 to first obtain permission from a verified parent or guardian. This ensures that children’s personal information is protected and that parents have control over what data is collected and how it’s used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I change my age on Pokémon GO? You can change your age on Pokémon GO by deleting the Niantic game app and reinstalling it, which will prompt you to enter your birth date again.
2. Can my 7-year-old play Pokémon GO? While Pokémon GO is rated for users 9 years or older, it’s estimated that 22% of users are children, indicating that many younger kids play the game with parental supervision.
3. Why can’t I create a Niantic Kids account? Only children under the age of digital consent can create a Niantic Kids account, which is used to log into Niantic games, and adults cannot create these accounts.
4. How old do you have to be to have a Niantic account? The age requirement varies by country or region, but in most places, the age of digital consent is 13 years old, as outlined in Niantic’s Privacy Policy.
5. How do I verify my Pokémon GO account? You can verify your Pokémon GO account by going to Pokemon.com, logging in, and accepting the Pokémon GO Terms of Use.
6. Why can’t Pokémon GO authenticate my account? You may receive error messages if the servers are experiencing temporary issues or your network connectivity is poor, so ensure you have a strong network connection.
7. How to change the date of birth on a Pokémon Trainer Club account? Once your birthday has been entered, it cannot be changed without contacting an administrator if it is incorrect.
8. Do Pokémon age without evolving? In the Pokémon universe, unevolved Pokémon can still age, but not evolving can leave them in a weaker and immature state.
9. How do I change my date of birth on Pokémon HOME? You cannot change your date of birth once it’s been set on Pokémon HOME.
10. Can I change my gender in Pokémon GO? You can change your Pokémon Trainer gender by going to your profile, clicking the style button, and selecting the gender icon.
11. Can I change my Niantic ID? You can create and manage your Niantic ID, and all accounts are provided a one-time Niantic ID change.
12. Is Pokémon GO safe for 9-year-olds? While Pokémon GO can be safe for kids, there are safety concerns, such as the potential for accidents or injuries, especially if children play near roads or in isolated areas.
13. Why can’t I have 2 Pokémon GO accounts? Having multiple accounts is against the Pokémon Go Trainer guidelines posted by Niantic, and doing so may result in your accounts being flagged.
14. Do you need an account to play Pokémon GO? To start playing, you need an active Pokémon account, which you can create using your Google or Facebook account, or preferably, a Pokémon Trainer Club account for full access to perks and security.
15. Is Pokémon appropriate for 11-year-olds? Pokémon features fantasy violence and pits cute, monster-like characters against each other, but it also includes positive messages about teamwork and respect, making it suitable for kids around the age of 11, depending on individual maturity levels.

Conclusion

Verifying age on Pokémon GO is a straightforward process designed to protect children’s privacy and ensure compliance with COPPA regulations. By understanding the age verification process and being aware of the safety guidelines and Terms of Use, parents and children can enjoy Pokémon GO while maintaining a safe and secure gaming environment. Whether you’re a parent setting up an account for your child or a player ensuring your account is compliant, following the guidelines and using the resources provided by Niantic, such as the Niantic Kids platform, can enhance your Pokémon GO experience.