 |
| Ways to Make Money as a 13 Year Old Online (Safe, Legit, and Parent-Approved) |
Discover safe and legit ways to make money as a 13 year old online. Learn parent-approved ideas, skill-based income, and scam-free options.
Finding ways to make money as a 13 year old online is no longer unusual. With the internet, smartphones, and creative platforms, teenagers can earn legally and safely—as long as they follow age rules, get parental permission, and avoid scams. The goal at this age is not just income, but learning real skills, building discipline, and staying protected online.
This guide explains legit, up-to-date online money-making options for 13-year-olds, what parents should know, and how to start the right way in 2025.
Important Rules Before You Start (Very Important)
Before any 13-year-old earns money online, these rules matter:
- Parental permission is required for almost all platforms
- Never share personal details like address, school, or ID
- Avoid platforms that ask for payment to “unlock” jobs
- Use accounts supervised by a parent or guardian
According to Google’s online safety guidance, minors should always use age-appropriate platforms and supervised accounts to stay protected online.
Online Surveys and Microtasks (With Limits)
Some platforms allow teenagers to earn small rewards for simple online tasks, but expectations must be realistic.
What these usually involve:
- Answering surveys
- Watching short videos
- Testing apps or websites
Earnings are small, but they can teach consistency. Parents should carefully review terms, as many survey platforms have strict age limits.
Best use: pocket money, not full income.
Selling Digital Products (One of the Best Options)
Selling digital items is one of the safest and smartest ways to earn online at 13.
Examples include:
With help from a parent, teens can sell on platforms like Etsy, which officially allows minors when an adult manages the account. Digital products are great because there’s no shipping, no inventory, and no direct contact with buyers.
Starting a YouTube Channel (Long-Term Income)
YouTube is one of the most popular ways teenagers earn online—but it takes time.
Teens can create content about:
- Gaming
- Tutorials
- School life tips
- Animation or drawing
- Educational content
According to YouTube’s official policies, monetization requires parental management for minors. Income usually comes from ads, memberships, and brand deals after consistent growth.
This option builds:
- Communication skills
- Confidence
- Editing and storytelling ability
Freelance Skills for Beginners (With Parental Support)
Some 13-year-olds already have valuable skills.
Beginner-friendly skills include:
- Simple graphic design (Canva)
- Basic video editing
- Writing short stories or captions
- Creating PowerPoint slides
Parents can help manage accounts on freelance platforms or find clients through family connections. Learning a skill early can lead to serious income later.
Online Tutoring and Homework Help
If a teen is strong in a subject like math, English, or science, online tutoring is a great option.
Ways to do this safely:
- Help younger students
- Tutor classmates’ siblings
- Use supervised education platforms
This builds confidence and reinforces academic skills while earning money honestly.
Game-Related Income (Carefully Done)
Gaming itself doesn’t always pay, but related activities can.
Examples:
- Creating game tutorials
- Selling in-game guides
- Streaming gameplay with supervision
Some platforms restrict age, so parents must review rules carefully. Avoid anything that promises “easy money” through gaming—those are often scams.
Blogging or Writing Online (Skill-Building Focus)
While most blogging platforms require adult oversight, teens can still write online with parental help.
Good writing topics include:
- School life
- Study tips
- Teen hobbies
- Reviews of books or games
Income usually comes later through ads or sponsorships, but the skill development is valuable early.
Safe Online Reselling
With parental supervision, teens can resell items online.
Examples:
Parents should manage payments and messaging to keep everything secure.
Skills That Pay More Over Time
Instead of chasing quick cash, smart teens learn skills that grow in value:
- Writing
- Video editing
- Graphic design
- Coding basics
- Digital marketing
According to research from reputable education platforms, early skill development leads to higher earning potential later in life.
Common Scams Teens Must Avoid
Never trust:
- “Get rich quick” offers
- Jobs asking for fees
- Requests for personal photos or ID
- Unverified social media job ads
The FTC warns that minors are frequent targets of online scams, especially in “easy money” schemes.
Pick One Skill, Not Ten
If you’re 13 (or a parent reading this), choose one safe method from this list. Spend the next month learning it properly instead of jumping between ideas.
Progress beats pressure.
Smart Online Income Starts With Safety and Skills
Learning ways to make money as a 13 year old online should always focus on safety, legality, and education—not just cash. With parental guidance and the right platforms, teens can earn responsibly while building skills that last a lifetime.
Start small, stay supervised, and think long-term. The internet can be a powerful tool when used wisely.
Next step: Choose one method from this guide and create a simple, parent-approved plan to begin this week.
 ){kind=link}