1

Today, I noticed a user telling another NABer(Username152) that they were underage(the other user was 9 years old). Anyway, I sent a template that I thought was open to all users. However, when @BR let me know that this was specific template was only open to Admins. The {{age}} template just doesn’t fit the case. The age template just says that the user giving them the template doesn’t know the age. Can a template be made that combines these two templates, as this user posted her age already stating she was underage already. {{safety}} doesn’t work either. I reread the template message it posted said that the user was planning to block the user. Maluniu re-took the credit, changed the username on the message to the user and BR let me know. While I’m on it, are there any other templates that can’t be used by all users, or is the {{under13}} the only one I’m worried about?

2

The issue is that we need to block their account at the same time we post the template. If you post the template, it says you’re blocking them. Are you blocking them? If so, I see no problem using the template. However, if you are NOT actually blocking them, I’d recommend adjusting the way you deal with these types of users to include someone with authority to block first and then add the template later. Perhaps the Admin Notice Board? or possibly just use the AGE template and then ping an admin for further actions?

3

I didn’t “retake any credit”. With an actual administrator’s name on the message, the template and everything is says, especially because it states: “_ I am sorry, but I had to block your account, because I encountered an edit where you wrote that you are under the age of 13”_It now seems legit, not “retaking the credit”.

{{blocked}}

4

Seeing someone that’s under 13 and sending them a template without blocking them really does nothing to enforce policy. As usual, it is best to let admins deal with it. Report such cases on the ANB and rest assured it will be handled:slight_smile:

5

ANB

6

Hi everyone, is 13 the minimum age on wikiHow? I am learning somethng being on this thread. So if I see an author younger than 13 s/he should be blocked??? Do I understand it correctly?

7

I do believe. Users should be 13 or older, and if you see a User claiming to be under 13 you should post it on the ANB. There’s an entire section for it.

8

Yes. Users need to be over 13. This is required by law, due to COPPA.

9

Yes. But, they can be on wikiHow if they’re younger with a parent’s permission (on the {{under13}} template, it gives a link to the form for parents to sign). wikiHow:COPPA Parental Permission Form - wikiHow June Days

10

But only report if you’re sure they are under 13. Don’t go by grade or ask them their age.

11

Administrators do not block IPs that says their age. They get the {{age}}. Administrators do not block for grades (like “I am in the 5th grade”). They get the {{age}}. Please do not ask or sniff out people’s ages (like “Just out of curiosity, how old are you?” or “You seem young. How old are you?”).

12

@rosejuice and @maluniu are right. We do not allow people who we *know* are under thirteen years old to create an account *unless* they have parental permission. But that does not make it okay to ask someone their age, or to presume their age from other things they say, such as grade level:slight_smile: