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Pokémon GO and Your Kids: Safety Tips You Need to Know

Posted on Jul 15, 2016

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Since Pokémon GO was released last week it has become wildly popular, setting records as the biggest mobile game in U.S. history. And if you're a parent, that means your kids have probably been begging to play. After all, what kid can resist the lure of catching cute "pocket monsters" in the real world courtesy of augmented reality? 

The game, which encourages players to walk around hunting for Pokémon and getting items from "Pokéstops" using GPS mapping technology, has earned praise for making a formerly sedentary pastime (video gaming) into a physical activity. People are out walking, exploring their neighborhoods, and the game is even credited with improving small business sales thanks to all that foot traffic, all of which are great reasons to play this fun, interactive game. Encouraging kids to be more active is important to us, so we love that the game is helping families move more. However, there are some dangers posed by Pokémon GO that both parents and kids need to be aware of.

Check out these safety tips to help your family enjoy Pokémon GO safely. Have you caught any Pokémon at your local Monkey Joe's?

  • Always be aware of your surroundings. Make sure kids know to look both ways before crossing the street and to watch where they're going to avoid trips and falls.
  • Once a Pokémon has appeared on the map, you don't have to move another step to catch it, just click on it. This is an intentional safety feature according to Niantic (the company that created the game) CEO John Hank. 
  • Don't let younger kids play without adult supervision. For older kids, set clear boundaries about where kids can roam while playing and think about your child's maturity and trustworthiness in deciding whether you'll let them play alone.
  • Remind kids about stranger safety. 
  • Grownup Pokémon trainers, never play while driving! 
  • Use common sense when playing Pokémon GO with your kids. Don't trespass, don't enter dangerous areas, and always be alert to the people and environment around you. 

Photo by AnaBanana413

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