Forget stacking Cheerios on your sleeping baby, Pokémon Go is the latest craze to strike with millions of fans worldwide playing the game.
Sure it might see harmless and a bit of fun, but there are some real safety concerns for children who are traipsing all over the place to catch these virtual creatures. 
The UK’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children recently released some tips and advice on how parents can keep their kids safe when using Pokémon Go.
Before we get into that, if you’re not aware, Pokémon Go is an online game where you collect and trade cute creatures called Pokémon, which is short for Pocket Monsters. The game makes it look like Pokémon appear in real life places by using the GPS and camera on your phone. You can find a more detailed explanation of the game here.
What are the risks to my children?
- Bringing them face-to-face with people they don’t know, eg strangers.
- Physical injuries that happen from kids not looking where they are going while using the app.
- They are lured to places that aren’t safe for them.
- They might spend a lot of money if in-app purchases are turned on, up to $159.
- The app asks for personal data such as your child’s date of birth and email account which they are asked to enter to receive through social media accounts.
Fact: You have the right to contact the creators of the game to stop them from using your child’s personal information.
What are the benefits to my children?
- It’s an easy way to get older kids and teenagers out of their bedrooms.
- They will be getting lots of exercise and often have to walk great distances to catch the Pokémon.
- For kids that are shy, it’s a way to encourage them to meet new people and bond over a shared interest.
- They will get to see a lot more of their local community and discover new things.
- It will encourage them to use their road safety knowledge
How can I keep my kids safe when they use Pokémon Go?
Well for starters you could always go with them, get some extra outside time together and have a laugh. However, if your children don’t want you tagging along, maybe put some rules in places and talk to them about the risks of meeting strangers and ending up in areas they don’t know. 
Safety tips for your children:
- Get them to take a battery pack so if the game drains their phone they won’t be without a phone should they get lost.
- Remind them to stay with friends and watch out for competitive people.
- Ask them to let you know where they will be playing.
- Make sure they don’t go anywhere they wouldn’t feel safe going normally.
- Encourage them not to loiter on someone’s private property and ask for permission to be there if possible.
- Make sure they pack some water, sun protection and food.
- Get them to wear their backpack at all times; putting it down and walking away from it could encourage thieving.
- Remind them to explore stops in public and brightly lit spaces.
Pokémon Go isn’t going away in a hurry so it’s probably better to embrace the phenomena and talk openly about how your children should use the game. Basic courtesy should be adhered to at all times, and remind you kids that not everyone is in love with the game as much as them so it’s best to be respectful when in public places.
