Using the KF.Social Marketplace Under 18

Age Requirements on KF.Social

KF.Social requires all users to be at least 16 years of age. This means that the youngest users on our Marketplace are 16 and 17 year olds. While we welcome young users, there are important rules and considerations that apply specifically to those who have not yet turned 18.

These rules exist not to restrict you, but to protect you. The Marketplace involves real transactions with real people, and the law treats contracts involving minors differently from those between adults.

Legal Position on Contracts with Minors

In England and Wales, a person under the age of 18 does not have the same legal capacity to enter into contracts as an adult. Under common law, most contracts with minors are "voidable," meaning the minor can walk away from the agreement, but the other party cannot enforce it against them in the same way they could with an adult.

There are exceptions. Contracts for "necessaries" (essential goods and services appropriate to the minor's condition in life) and contracts of employment, apprenticeship, or education that are substantially to the minor's benefit are generally enforceable. A second-hand games console or a pair of trainers may not fall neatly into the "necessaries" category, which is why parental awareness is important.

Parental Involvement

If you are under 18 and buying or selling through the KF.Social Marketplace, we strongly recommend that a parent or guardian is aware of and involved in the transaction. Specifically:

• For purchases: A parent or guardian should review the listing, the seller's profile and reviews, and the price before you commit. If the item is being posted, make sure the delivery address is known to your parent or guardian.
• For sales: A parent or guardian should be aware that you are selling an item, agree to the listed price, and be present or reachable during any collection or meetup.
• For services: If you are hiring or offering a service, parental involvement is especially important. Services often require ongoing interaction and may involve someone visiting your home or you visiting theirs.

We understand that at 16 or 17 you are developing independence and may feel capable of managing transactions on your own. Parental involvement is not about undermining that independence; it is about having an experienced person available if something goes wrong.

How Verification Works

KF.Social offers a verification system designed to build trust between users. Verified users have confirmed their identity through our verification process. When browsing listings or communicating with other users, look for the verification badge on their profile.

Verification does not guarantee that every transaction will go smoothly, but it does mean the person has taken steps to confirm their identity. For users under 18, we recommend prioritising transactions with verified sellers and buyers wherever possible.

Staying Safe in Marketplace Transactions

Whether you are buying, selling, or trading, follow these practical guidelines:

• Keep all communication on the platform. Do not move conversations to personal messaging apps or social media. KF.Social's messaging system provides a record of your interactions, which is invaluable if a dispute arises.
• Never share personal financial information such as bank account numbers, card details, or PINs with another user. Use the platform's payment mechanisms.
• Meet in public for collections. If you are buying or selling an item that requires an in-person handover, meet in a busy public place during daylight hours. Bring a parent, guardian, or trusted adult with you.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Significantly underpriced items can be a sign of scams or stolen goods.
• Check the seller's or buyer's profile. Review their ratings, reviews, and how long they have been on the platform. A brand-new account with no history warrants extra caution.
• Report anything suspicious. If a user makes you uncomfortable, asks for inappropriate information, or behaves in a way that concerns you, report them to KF.Social immediately using the "Report" button on their profile.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If a transaction does not go as expected, here is what to do:

1. Contact the other party through KF.Social's messaging system to try to resolve the issue.
2. If you cannot reach a resolution, use KF.Social's dispute resolution process. We review disputes and can mediate between parties.
3. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud and to your local police.
4. Talk to your parent or guardian about what has happened. They may be able to take steps that you cannot, such as contacting a bank or seeking legal advice.

Using the Marketplace as a young person can be a positive experience. By following these guidelines and involving a trusted adult when needed, you can buy and sell with confidence.