Oct 01, 2016
While it’s fantastic that more kids and adults are out and moving around thanks to the craze of Pokemon Go, there’s also quite a bit of concern over safety surrounding the game. Since it’s an “augmented reality” game, players actually leave their homes and go out into the world to play. Score for physical activity, but scary if players get so wrapped up in the game they lose track of the fact that they are crossing a busy street. There are several real dangers associated with playing Pokemon Go. Walking into traffic, falling into streams, rivers, lakes, running into poles and other hard objects, and of course the danger of strangers met while playing the game.
It’s great that a game has interjected a physical aspect, but let’s keep the kids safe while they are playing. Dr. Elizabeth Murray, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and an assistant professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at the University of Rochester, has some advice for safe play.
• Remind your children not to cross a street or ride a bike or scooter while their eyes are on the game. Absolutely no driving while playing.
• Never go anywhere with a stranger met through the game. This may seem like a no-brainer, but kids feel comfortable with fellow gamers.
• Your children need to know the boundaries of the game. No matter where Pokemon may send them, make sure they know to stay off of private property and use caution in public spaces.
• Don’t allow children under the age of 10 to access the game on their own. When parents are required to co-play, they can control where the child plays and ensure they are behaving appropriately.
It’s great that a game has interjected a physical aspect, but let’s keep the kids safe while they are playing. Dr. Elizabeth Murray, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and an assistant professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at the University of Rochester, has some advice for safe play.
• Remind your children not to cross a street or ride a bike or scooter while their eyes are on the game. Absolutely no driving while playing.
• Never go anywhere with a stranger met through the game. This may seem like a no-brainer, but kids feel comfortable with fellow gamers.
• Your children need to know the boundaries of the game. No matter where Pokemon may send them, make sure they know to stay off of private property and use caution in public spaces.
• Don’t allow children under the age of 10 to access the game on their own. When parents are required to co-play, they can control where the child plays and ensure they are behaving appropriately.
