Should You Let Your Kids Play Pokémon GO?

234

Pokémon Go has taken the gaming world by storm, and the new augmented reality app has drawn kids from the sofa to play outside again. The app has in many ways done the impossible, and parents are happy, but at what cost to safety?

Your kids may be enthusiastically on a new Pokémon journey, venturing out into the community with smartphones in hand. However, the popular gaming app has offered up some new dangers for kids.

Pokémon Go was launched July 6, and since its viral beginning, the app has been downloaded more than 100 million times. It combines virtual play with reality and is played in 30 countries with many users under the age of 18.

How do you teach kids to safely play Pokémon Go? You may need to employ all your parenting skills, and most certainly open up those lines of communication. The good news is that you can use this trending app to connect with kids in a more meaningful way.

From the golden safety rule of “stranger danger” to limiting time playing Pokémon Go, you will find this app to be a threat and a blessing.

2

Pokémon Go Boundaries are Paramount to Kids Safety

Setting boundaries for kids is certainly nothing new for parents. However, those boundaries have become an essential aspect to keeping your kids safe while playing Pokémon Go.

Establish Pokémon hunting grounds with your kids, because there have been reports of kids getting lost or stuck in precarious places, like caves.

The next Pokémon capture may be across a busy street or down a secluded alleyway. And the app’s virtual game play is its allure, but it is also making kids forget they are still on planet Earth. Setting those safe boundaries is a great Pokémon Go strategy to begin with.

Pokémon Go “Stranger Danger” is a Real Parenting Concern

Pokémon Go has certainly added a few fantastic qualities to your kids’ lives. They are playing outside and getting active while their gaming thumbs a much needed rest. However, child predators may be using Pokémon Go as a way to lure children into dangerous situations.

Reports from New York have made “stranger danger” while playing the app a real parenting concern. In fact, the state has even banned sex offenders and violent offenders from playing the app.

It is vital to sit your kids down and have the “stranger danger” discussion again. You can emphasize the importance of staying safe while playing Pokémon Go in a communicative way. And joining in on a Pokémon hunt or two might not be a bad idea.

 

Make Pokémon Go the New Family Game

Any chance parents get to connect with their kids in a fun way are indeed rare moments. Once kids reach a certain age, it becomes even more challenging to be part of their lives. Now you can use Pokémon Go to your advantage and make the next Pokémon hunt a family affair.

As a parent you should have firsthand knowledge of what your kids are getting into, especially when it comes to smartphone apps. If you have yet to download and play Pokémon Go on your own, the time is now.

You will be able to identify any possible dangers and talk to your kids about how to avoid them and stay safe. Who knows, you may even pick up a new hobby for yourself in the process, but it is just as important to stay safe as an adult while playing Pokémon Go.

3

Set Reasonable Pokémon Go Time Limits

Pokémon Go will definitely push your parenting limits, especially if your kids already have a hard time making it home on time for family dinner night. This makes setting reasonable Pokémon Go time limits essential to keep kids safe.

There have been reports of kids losing track of time and having no smartphone charge left. And usage charges can also rack up fast. Setting a time limit for Pokémon hunts will give kids a clear rule to follow. They can check-in with you and you can also ensure they have enough juice left on their smartphone before letting them resume their Pokémon Go mission.

Pokémon Go is doing great things for kids. The app has gotten them outside and playing, but they are still half in and half out of reality. This makes your Pokémon parenting vital to keeping kids safe. The app is also an excellent way to open up communication with your kids, touching on safety whether playing Pokémon Go or not.

Latest Posts

‘Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey’ Franchise to Launch Crossover Event ‘Poohniverse’

The upcoming film "Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble" is set to showcase a thrilling array of classic characters from beloved tales, promising an exhilarating mix of...

‘Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver’ Official Trailer Released by Netflix

Netflix thrilled fans with the official trailer drop for the highly anticipated second part of Zack Snyder's expansive sci-fi adventure, Rebel Moon. Unveiled on a...

Posts You Will Love

Fallout TV Series First Look Emerges from the Vault

The inaugural glimpse into Prime Video's upcoming Fallout TV series has been unveiled, courtesy of Vanity Fair's exclusive images that offer a tantalizing peek...

Latest articles

Related articles

Your Comments / What Do You Think ?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from FizX

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading