It's not that the contract ins't binding. In the US a minor
(someone under 18) simply *can't* legally enter into a
contract. They're not allowed to do so. Even if they do, the
contract isn't valid. That's why Ebay doesn't want underage
people to have IDs. If they don't pay, don't send an item,
or do anything flaky like that, there is no legal way to go
after them because of this law about contracts and minors.

Now if an underage person uses their *parent's* account,
then that doesn't create as many legal problems. If
something happens, Ebay will simply go after the adult
parent and the parent legally has to make things right
because the underage person couldn't have used the account
without the parent's permission (in the form of being given
the password for the account).

Personally, (and absolutely *NO* offense to the responsible
underage Ebayers I know have to be out there) minors have
caused a lot of problems on Ebay and I really wish Ebay
would do something more severe to crack down on minors
registering. (*shrug*) Until then, FWIW, all my auctions
are now tagged with the line: "I will accept no bids from
underage bidders."

Many Sharp Smiles,
--Drac