Frequently Answered Questions

What is Yoursphere?

What is Yoursphere?

Yoursphere is the social network for kids and teens that puts safety first.

Why should I join Yoursphere?

For the travel! Actually, there's no sightseeing involved, but you will get:

  • The most dynamic online home for you and your friends
  • Spheres full of people interested in the stuff you care about
  • Amazing gifts
  • Opportunities to earn a scholarship
  • Kid and teen-only community (that means no one over 18; no predators, sex offenders, or anonymous users)
  • Regular donations to youth philanthropies that help children and families, or to schools that need extra support

How do I become a member?

It's simple! There are two easy ways that only take a few minutes of your parent's time. Choose one.

First way (quickest):

  • Go to www.yoursphere.com with your parent/guardian (or have them go themselves, whichever is easier for you).
  • Click the "Sign Up" button on the home page.
  • Have your parent click the "Parents Information" link.
  • You should be a member in less than five minutes.

Second way:

  • Go to www.yoursphere.com.
  • Click the "Join Now" button.
  • Supply the information requested.
  • An email will be sent to your parent/guardian.
  • Once they click the link in the email, they can begin the verification process.
  • You should be a member in less than five minutes.

What's a creeper?

A creeper is a predator, sex offender, or anyone setting up a fake profile with the intention to exploit, harass, or solicit others. Creepers are not welcome on Yoursphere.

I'm really not worried about online safety online. I'm smart enough to know not to give out personal details or meet people in person that I find online. Why do I need Yoursphere?

First off, Yoursphere is the only social networking site that gives you terrific rewards just for being an active participant. No matter what you think about our safety features, you gotta love the chance to score great stuff!

Second, no one over 18 is allowed on the site. That means your parents, your science teacher, or anyone else is not supposed to troll over into your world. And since no one is anonymous on Yoursphere, you can feel comfortable knowing that you are really interacting with your peers. And if an adult tries to hide behind a fake profile, we know who they really are and can take appropriate action if needed. Think about it.

Why would I leave all my friends on the other social networking sites to join Yoursphere?

You don't have to leave anybody. Invite your friends to Yoursphere or have them come check it out on their own. Lots of people have profiles at multiple destinations these days. You'll soon see that you get a lot more out of a Yoursphere membership than anywhere else.

How do I invite my friends?

Easy, at the bottom of any Yoursphere page, click "Spread the Word."

Why are you letting 18-year-olds on the site? Legally an 18-year-old is an adult.

Yoursphere is a site for kids and teens through high school. A lot of seniors are 18. It'd be a real bummer to boot a high school student that's 18 off the site.

Note that if you're under 13 you won't be allowed to friend anyone who's more than three years older than you are, unless you're their sibling. Likewise, if you're an older teen you don't have to worry about younger members friending you.

Membership / Fees

Why should I pay for Yoursphere when every other social networking site is free?

First, Yoursphere is the only social networking site that rewards you just for being an active participant.

Second, for less than the price of a single movie ticket, Yoursphere's modest ($4.95/ month, or $39.95/year) membership fee pays for cutting-edge technology to support our security features, identity verification, and sex offender registry scans to help ensure you are truly interacting with a peer, not some creepy dude in his underwear and his 40's.

Third, a portion of membership fees also support our Create Your Future Program—scholarships, mentorships and internships that directly benefit Yoursphere members.

How do I tell my parent/guardian Yoursphere is worth their money?

Have you tried whispering it while they're asleep? Seriously, parents care about your safety and your future. Let them know that a Yoursphere membership means you get to hang out in a dynamic, creative place that they can feel good about too. Plus Yoursphere gives you opportunities to score some great loot, and even further your education. Also tell them that, while we can never guarantee anyone's safety 100%, no site-and we mean no site-has higher safety standards than Yoursphere. If none of that works, try hypnosis!.

What's the parental verification process like? How long does it take? What personal information will you ask parents to provide?

It's simple, painless and takes less than 5 minutes. The questions we ask them they answer all the time (except the one that goes, "Dad, what is your problem?" That one we leave for you). It is personal information that identifies who they are, the same type required to:

  • Get a cell phone.
  • Rent an apartment.
  • Call the bank for their balance.

What can I do while I'm waiting for my parent or guardian to provide consent?

You can set up your profile page, but we can't let you into the community until you've officially become a member, and that requires a parent's verifiable consent.

What happens if my parent doesn't pass the verification process, what do we do?

Don't freak. There's probably just some sign up glitch. There are lots of options available to help your parent/guardian complete the verification process. First, they'll be given the chance to re-confirm the data they provided, if there wasn't an initial match.

If further data is required, they'll receive an email from our security partner NetIDme, requesting that the parent complete the verification process either by email, fax, or snail mail to our corporate offices at the following address:

Identity Verification
Yoursphere Media Inc.
803 2nd Street, Suite F
Davis, CA 95616

Parents can also call Yoursphere Customer Service at 888-905-9898. Representatives are available to answer the phone 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

If they choose not to call, they may fax any required data to Yoursphere at 530-747-2444.

Will parents have access to the Yoursphere network?

No chance! There will be no secret snooping around the site by parents. If you are under 13, the law requires us to let your parents have the option to see what you've posted (and only what you've posted). They don't get to see this by logging into Yoursphere-because remember, they can't. They see only the postings by you, if they choose to, at their Parent Dashboard (where they manage their credit card and account stuff).

And if you're 13 or older, your parents see ONLY what you want them to see, if you choose to show them anything at all.

Are you going to tell my parents about the pictures I post anywhere on the site?

No. But what if your friend shows theirparent and the pics you posted aren't cool with your friend's parent, so that parent calls your parent and .... you know how it goes. Be smart.

Tip: Remember what you post anywhere online is out there for all kinds of people to see and never really goes away. So don't make the mistake of posting a picture somewhere that you know would cause embarrassment if an adult (or the wrong person) ever saw it. (Now, if you post something really objectionable at Yoursphere, we'll pull it down. This isn't the place to digitally tattoo yourself. Be glad).

If my parent cancels my membership, or forgets to pay, do you guys delete my profile and everything I've created on Yoursphere?

No. We know parents get busy and can't always keep up on stuff. We'll keep your account and postings up until you return.

Profile / My Account

I lost my password, what do I do?

All you have to do is go to the log in page, and click on request a new one.

How do I change my username, email address or password?

On your homepage, go to "Edit My Profile." You can make changes from there.

How do I change my default picture?

Again, on your homepage, go to "Edit My Profile." You can upload a new photo right here. Keep in mind that this picture is visible to all Yoursphere members, so you may want to think twice before posting that baby photo of you that only your mom finds cute!

How do I make my profile public/private?

Your profile is automatically private. After accepting a friend they can see everything in your profile you've decided to share.

How do I add photos?

On your homepage click on "my photos" then the "Upload an image" button. You will be directed to an image upload page, where you can name, tag and caption your photos too.

How do I add video?

Simple: enter the appropriate sphere, and follow the instructions on the "submit sphere video" link.

How do I delete comments on my profile page?

That's an easy one. First click the delete button below the comment. Then confirm that you really, really want to delete it on the next page that pops us. That's it!

By the way, if you delete a comment, then all comments about that comment get deleted too.

How do I delete a person from my friends list?

Go to your friend's profile page. Then just click the link to remove.

If I decline a friend request, will that person find out?

Shh! We won't tell if you won't tell.

Spheres

What is a sphere?

Like a rec room or a skating rink, a sphere is a social hub where friends with like-minded interests, like Fashion or Sports, interact. Yoursphere members can join any sphere, and even create their own, about anything they wish, and invite their friends.

How do I join a sphere that I'm interested in?

First, you will be asked to provide a strand of your hair for DNA sampling. Kidding! Just go to the spheres home page and select the sphere you would like to join. Click the "Join" button on the top of the page.

Can I join any sphere I want?

Of course!

What if I want to check out what's going on in a sphere, but I'm not a member?

You can window shop through all the spheres by checking out their home pages. This way you can get a feel for what the individual spheres are all about before you join. No commitment needed.

How do I create a new sphere?

Easy as pie! (Actually, easier—have you ever made pie?) From any of the 11 sphere categories to which you are subscribed, click "create new sphere."

 

Contests and Rewards

How do I get credits?

Share. Vote. Post. Just participate in the community and, through the magic of math, our algorithms figure out your credits.

Do I ever stop earning credits?

No, as long as you remain an active community member. Of course, you have to spend them. We don't let you keep rolling them over and over and over until the end of time.

My friend and I have been members for the same amount of time and they have more credits than me. What's up with that?

It's probably because they are more actively involved in the community. We reward all members equally based on their participation, so find out what they've been doing. Then double it.

How long is it going to take me to earn credits to get the cool stuff you're giving away?

It is longer than an episode of The Simpsons but shorter than a school year. The time frame is really up to you. It depends on how much you participate in the community. There are some complicated algorithms that figure it out, but if you're a contributor in the community you'll see your points accumulating and, in time you will walk away with cool stuff. Visit the Rewards Gallery.

Is there any fee for me to get free stuff with my credits?

No.

How do I redeem my credits?

Go to the gift gallery and follow the instructions.

Will you have more stuff for me to get with my credits than what you're offering right now?

Gallery rewards are constantly changing and we are always looking for more cool stuff! Let us know what things you'd like to see and we'll see what we can do.

Do I have to be a Yoursphere member to enter your contests?

Yes.

What are the rules for your contests?

Depends on the contest. Every contest has a rules page. Click on the contest link for specifics.

What if I win a contest, will I have to pay anything to get my prize?

It wouldn't be a prize if you had to pay for it! But, if your prize is worth over $600, we're required by law to have your parents get a 1099 form. (It's for tax purposes, but that doesn't cost you anything.)

I have a great idea for a contest in one of the spheres, how do I tell you about my idea?

Explain your idea in the "feedback" box provided on your homepage. Tell us what you'd like to see on Yoursphere and we'll get back to you.

Create Your Future

What is the Create Your Future program?

Yoursphere was founded to encourage and support youth. That's why a portion of every membership fee funds our Create Your Future Program, which enables Yoursphere to provide scholarships, internships, and mentorships, to help members like you pursue their own goals and interests. And since everyone is unique, so are the opportunities afforded by Yoursphere. Perhaps you would like to intern for a pro soccer team? Or maybe attend dance camp, shadow a top fashion designer for a day, or score some help paying for college? You dream it up, we'll do our best to help you make it happen.

For ideas, questions, or to support our Create Your Future Program, contact us at:
CreateYourFuture@Yoursphere.com

How can I get a scholarship?

Participate in one of our scholarship opportunities. We're donating a portion of each paid membership fee (as well as inviting companies to contribute) to our Create Your Future fund, so we'll have plenty of opportunities for you to potentially earn one.

Giving Back

Yoursphere makes quarterly charitable donations?

Yup, we do! Every few months we donate a portion of net sponsor revenue to youth philanthropies that are nominated and selected by our members. That's right, you get to pick where the love goes!

To be nominated, a charity can be local or global but it must directly benefit children, families, or schools. Each nominee is vetted for its efficiency and track record. From a list of approved charities, members then vote to select the one (or more, as the case may be) awarded Yoursphere's quarterly donation.

For questions, or to support our philanthropic efforts, please contact us at:
Philanthropy@Yoursphere.com

Why are you giving money away?

Well, we care about others and learned a long time ago that sharing is good. Plus, we've got a big mission statement, and one of our goals is to use a portion of our revenue to make a difference in the lives of others in need.

I've got a philanthropy in mind that I'd like to help. Can Yoursphere assist?

Possibly. Send an email to our philanthropy team at: Philanthropies@Yoursphere.com

Safety

What's a creeper?

A creeper is a predator, pornographer, sex offender, or someone setting up a fake profile with the intention of hurting someone in the community.

What should I do if I think there is a creeper on the site?

Tell us! Use any of the tools within the community: links, flags, feedback areas, etc. to report creeper behavior. You can also:

  • Have your parent/guardian call us: 888-905-9898
  • Send us an email: SafetyTeam@Yoursphere.com
  • Tell a parent, guardian, or teacher and ask them to contact the police.

What happens if we find out someone on the site is a creeper?

We boil them in a tasty soup. Kidding! We delete them and ban them from Yoursphere for eternity. We also turn over their information to the appropriate authorities.

What should I do if I find something inappropriate posted on Yoursphere?

Under picture and videos members post, there's a flag that says: Flag this content as inappropriate or offensive. Click it.

Or capture the URL and email it to our Community Standards Team and they'll investigate: CommunityStandardsTeam@Yoursphere.com.