Vinted and eBay under-16 ban: Can children still buy and sell online?

Children under 16 could face new restrictions on using Vinted, eBay and Depop as the government considers extending its social media ban to online shopping platforms. Here's what's being proposed, the current age limits and what parents need to know.

Selling unwanted clothes, trainers and games online has become a popular way to make a little extra pocket money. But teenagers who use second-hand shopping apps could soon face tighter restrictions.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed on Sunday 8 November 2026 that the government is seriously considering extending its planned under-16 social media ban to online marketplaces such as Vinted and eBay.

The move follows concerns that messaging features on shopping platforms could allow strangers to contact children, potentially exposing them to grooming and exploitation.

Depop and Facebook Marketplace have also been mentioned in reports about the proposals.

However, the government has not confirmed a ban on under-16s using Vinted, eBay or Depop, and the final rules have yet to be announced.

So can teenagers still use these platforms, what are the existing age restrictions and what could change in 2027?

Is Vinted being banned for under-16s in the UK?

No new ban on under-16s using Vinted has been confirmed, but the government is considering introducing stricter restrictions as part of its wider online safety plans.

Speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme on 8 November, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed that ministers were looking seriously at including online marketplaces in the planned restrictions.

The proposals are being considered because buying and selling platforms allow users to communicate directly, potentially exposing children to unwanted contact from adults.

The government's wider social media ban for under-16s is expected to take effect in spring 2027, although it hasn't confirmed whether shopping platforms will be included at that stage.

For now, Vinted's existing account rules continue to apply.

What is the minimum age to use Vinted?

Vinted generally requires account holders to be at least 18 years old.

However, its terms allow a parent or legal guardian to create and supervise an account for a minor, taking responsibility for the account and its activity.

This means there's a difference between a teenager independently registering for Vinted and a parent managing an account that their child uses with permission and supervision.

For example, a parent may help their 14-year-old sell clothes they've outgrown through an adult-managed account.

But children shouldn't simply create an account using a false date of birth to get around the platform's restrictions.

If the government introduces new rules for under-16s, it could affect these existing arrangements.

It's not yet clear whether parent-supervised accounts would be treated differently from accounts used independently by children.

How old do you have to be to use eBay in the UK?

You must be at least 18 years old to register for an eBay account.

Unlike some other resale platforms, eBay doesn't allow under-18s to become members.

The company says this is because buying and selling through the platform involves entering into legally binding contracts.

That means a 15-year-old cannot independently register as an eBay seller under its existing rules.

Parents can sell their children's unwanted belongings through their own accounts, provided they're responsible for the transactions and follow the platform's conditions.

The government's proposals could introduce stronger age verification or other protections, but the details remain unconfirmed.

Can a 13, 14 or 15-year-old use Depop?

Depop currently allows people aged 13 and over to register for an account.

This makes its existing minimum age lower than those of Vinted and eBay.

However, there are additional restrictions around payments.

Users under 18 may need help from a parent or guardian to meet the requirements of Depop's payment providers, including identity verification.

For example, a 15-year-old may be old enough to register for Depop but need parental involvement to receive money from selling items.

If the government extends the under-16 restrictions to Depop, the rules could therefore affect teenagers who are currently permitted to use the platform.

However, there's no confirmation that Depop will be included or what any exemptions might look like.

Which shopping resale apps could be included in the under-16 ban?

The government is considering whether online marketplaces should face similar restrictions to social media platforms.

The services mentioned in reporting include:

• Vinted: A platform mainly used for buying and selling second-hand clothes, shoes and accessories.

• eBay: A marketplace for new and second-hand products, including electronics, clothing and collectables.

• Depop: A fashion resale platform that currently permits accounts for users aged 13 and over.

• Facebook Marketplace: Facebook's buying and selling service, where users can contact sellers directly.

However, appearing in reports about the proposals doesn't mean a platform has been formally included in the ban.

The government will need to confirm which services are covered and whether restrictions apply to entire platforms or particular features.

Why is the government considering banning children from Vinted and eBay?

The main concern is that online marketplaces allow strangers to contact children through private messaging features.

These services are designed to make buying and selling easy, with users often negotiating prices, asking questions and arranging deliveries directly.

However, children's charities have raised concerns that these features could also expose young people to exploitation.

The Children's Society has warned that vulnerable children, particularly those experiencing financial difficulties, can be targeted online by adults offering money or gifts in exchange for inappropriate images or other harmful activities.

This means children trying to earn extra money could find themselves exposed to risks they don't fully understand.

The government's wider online safety proposals aim to restrict features that allow strangers to contact children, including on services that aren't traditionally considered social media.

The debate therefore isn't simply about whether teenagers should be allowed to sell their old clothes. It's about how platforms protect young users while allowing them to participate safely.

When could the Vinted and eBay under-16 ban start?

There is currently no confirmed start date for new restrictions on under-16s using Vinted, eBay or Depop.

The government's wider social media ban is expected to take effect in spring 2027, with the first regulations due before the end of 2026.

However, reports suggest the government may consider extending the restrictions to online marketplaces separately.

That means families shouldn't assume Vinted or eBay will automatically become unavailable to under-16s when the first social media restrictions begin.

More details are expected as the government publishes its final rules.

Can parents still sell their children's clothes on Vinted or eBay?

For now, parents can continue selling unwanted children's clothes, toys and other belongings through their own accounts, subject to the platforms' existing rules.

The government hasn't announced proposals specifically banning adults from selling items that belong to their children.

There's an important difference between a parent managing a legitimate resale account and a child independently communicating with unknown buyers.

For example, a parent selling their child's outgrown school uniform through their own account isn't necessarily the same as a teenager arranging sales and payments without adult supervision.

However, the government hasn't yet confirmed how any new restrictions would treat parent-managed accounts.

It's worth waiting for the final details rather than assuming these arrangements will either be banned or exempt.

How can parents help children sell things safely online?

Selling unwanted items can be a useful introduction to managing money, particularly for teenagers saving towards something they want.

But it's important that children understand the risks involved in dealing with unfamiliar buyers.

Check the platform's minimum age

Before creating an account, make sure you understand the platform's age restrictions and whether parental supervision is permitted.

Don't encourage children to use false personal details to get around the rules.

Keep payments and messages secure

Where you're responsible for an account, check that payments are made through the platform's approved methods.

Be cautious about buyers asking to communicate through WhatsApp or another service instead.

Don't share unnecessary personal information

Avoid sharing details such as a child's school, phone number, daily routine or home address with unfamiliar buyers.

Parents should manage any information needed for collections or deliveries.

Watch out for online selling scams

Fake payment confirmations, suspicious links and messages asking for banking details are common warning signs.

If a buyer claims you've been paid, check directly through the relevant platform or payment provider rather than trusting a screenshot.

Help children understand the real value of a sale

If your teenager wants to sell something, help them compare prices, understand postage costs and work out how much money they'll actually receive.

That can turn selling unwanted belongings into a useful lesson about managing money, rather than simply chasing a quick sale.

Will an under-16 Vinted ban stop teenagers earning money?

Not necessarily.

The proposed restrictions concern access to online marketplaces, rather than introducing a general ban on teenagers earning money.

Young people may still be able to earn money through age-appropriate work or activities, subject to existing employment rules.

Parents could also continue helping their children sell unwanted possessions where platform rules and any future restrictions permit.

However, if younger teenagers lose access to resale platforms, it could make independently selling clothes or other items more difficult.

There's also a distinction between selling unwanted personal belongings and running a business by buying products specifically to resell for profit.

The tax rules covering trading income are separate from any new platform age restrictions.