How to keep teens safe playing Pokemon GO
From the left, Taylor Demars, of Spokane, Wash., and Jason Garry, of Mesa, Ariz., pose in front of the charging station they set up for people playing the smartphone game "Pokemon GO" in front of the Provo City Library in Provo on July 10.
Pokemon GO. (Niantic, Inc.)
TeenSafe has come out with ways parents can help their teens stay safe while playing the popular Pokemon GO game.
This game has swept not only the country but also the entire world and has captured the attention of teens who are always connected to the latest technology.
The gaming app has been responsible for many problems as it gains popularity. While it is a good way for people to get out of the house and see something other than their usual surroundings, inherent in this endeavor are plenty of hazards.
While playing, gamers often don’t pay attention to their surroundings. A young player was struck by a car and killed in Australia while playing. Another teen was shot and killed while searching for a Pokemon character. Players have been trespassing in search of the elusive characters. The bottom line is that players need to respect the law, other people’s property and be aware of those around them.
Here are some tips for parents to discuss with their teens regarding the Pokemon GO game:
1. Stranger Danger. Strangers who offer assistance could be predators.
2. Battery Drain. The game uses a lot of battery power. Teens need to make sure their battery doesn’t go down far enough so they cannot call home if they need to.
3. Inappropriate Locations. Some locations might not be suitable for teens. These include strip clubs and adult book stores. Do you know where your teen is going?
TeenSafe, the leading parental monitoring service, has developed a list of ways to stay safe while playing Pokemon GO. They advise:
1. Teach your child to be aware of surroundings: Tell them to frequently look up from their phones to make sure there’s nothing they’ll run into. They should also be aware of any cars that might be suspiciously following them.
2. Set limits for where and how far they can go: If possible, parents should play the game with their kids so they can supervise (and bond!). But if that’s not possible, advise your children go out in groups, or with an adult, so that they can stick together.
3. Bring a portable charger: This will make sure that parents can get a hold of their kids any time, any place. And you don’t have to worry about not being able to find them if they wander too far.
For more information about keeping your teens safe, visit teensafe.com.
