Pokemon Go

Know how to keep your children safe while playing the addictive Pokemon Go mobile game.

18:27 13 July 2016

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality (AR) game that is taking the world by storm, letting players, both nostalgic adults and actual children, look at their surroundings as monster-filled playgrounds.

 

Due to its popularity, the NSPCC has issued a warning over it. A spokesperson said: "Given its massive popularity with children it’s worrying that this game appears susceptible to being hijacked by those who may wish to harm them,"

 

"When creating these games, companies must consider the potential risks to young users and do everything they can to make sure their app doesn’t put them in danger.”

 

As the game is expected to be a staple for the entire summer, parents are given pointers on how to keep their kids safe while playing it.

 

·       Be careful with roads – Pokemon Go allows gamers to look at the world through their phone, which raises danger whether the gamer is on foot or behind the wheel. Be aware that when collecting Pokemon around the city, you have to be conscious that you may accidentally walk into traffic.

 

·       Be aware that players are flashing an expensive phone around – It is important to educate your children that playing Pokemon Go outside of your home means that they’re flashing an expensive gadget, which can easily be taken from them by strangers.

 

·       Be mindful of other people’s property – There are so many interesting stories that have surfaced following the popularity of Pokemon Go. One of the most fascinating is from a man who lives in a converted church, which is marked in the map as Pokemon gym – where players can train and fight their Pokemon. This has attracted people just outside his property playing the game through day and night. With that, its important that you remind your children to be mindful of other people’s property as we don’t live in the socialist Pokemon utopia just yet.