Get up and GO! A Pokémon GO Guide for Parents

Pokémon GO is a smartphone app where players train creatures known as Pokemon and search in real world locations; interacting with their smartphone by customising, tracking, catching and battling to increase their trainer level.

Players go to different locations to search for Pokemon, once they are near a Pokemon their phones will vibrate to alert them. Watch out for specific places such as museums, cafes and monuments where there’s high levels of Pokemon, tournaments and/or Pokestops (areas where you can collect items). It’s free to play feature and single/multiplayer options appeal to many, and promotes exercise and social meet ups.

However players could get themselves in danger if they're not paying attention to their surroundings. The game drains a lot of battery life, and phone data should be on to keep in the game and maintain good connection because wifi is not always available.

Ages seven and below who play Pokemon GO should be accompanied by an adult, it is advisable that all ages should go in groups or if this is not an option they should play during the day. When travelling, your child should take time to look where they are and have breaks out of the game to do this. If he/she goes somewhere they haven’t been before make sure they plan a travel route, know how to get back home and can contact you at any time. Make sure they are using a data/wifi service that is trustworthy, and keep their information private.

Don’t be afraid to approach your child about keeping safe, they’re playing Pokemon GO because it’s fun- and remembering these guidelines will help you make sure it stays that way!