Keeping safe while playing Pokemon GO

Pokémon GO is the latest craze around the world and, now, here in South Africa.

However, security company ADT advises parents to warn their children about safety concerns while playing the game.

Pokémon GO uses the phone’s GPS and clock to detect where and when the user is in the game and makes Pokémon appear virtually so the user can go and catch them. While the game is not yet available on the South African iTunes store, many have bypassed the iTunes terms and conditions and are playing.

Theunis Kotze, general manager of ADT Inland Region, said, “What parents need to know is that the game has the potential to take children into areas that are possibly not safe. The virtual Pokémon appear on school campuses, at malls, churches, on roads, near water, in buildings, basically anywhere. “They [children] should not wander off alone in search of Pokémon or go to places that could be unsafe.”

Kotze also urges parents to talk with their children about the age restrictions of the game and their account details. “Parents should also be aware that the app has an age restriction of 9+ due to infrequent/ mild cartoon or fantasy violence. Lastly, parents should explain to their children that when they download the app, all their account information is made available so privacy settings need to be in place.

“By educating our children on these potential threats, we can ensure that they can be involved and still play the game safely,” concluded Kotze.