Pokémon GO isn’t just another mobile game—it allows players to travel between the real and virtual worlds to discover Pokémon in a whole new world! Pokémon GO is built on a real-world gaming platform and uses real locations to encourage players to search far and wide to discover Pokémon. Players can find and catch more than a

hundred species of Pokémon while exploring their surroundings. It’s fun, active, and social but blending the online and offline worlds brings risks. From safety concerns to privacy issues, there’s more to this game than catching virtual creatures. Here’s what parents need to know to keep their kids safe while they play.

Parent & educator training video

What is the Pokemon GO App?

• Pokémon GO is a location-based augmented-reality mobile game that bridges the gap between real life and the digital world, encouraging kids to walk around and catch Pokémon
• The game is free to play, but it does offer in-app purchases of gameplay items
• Pokémon GO uses the phone’s camera to superimpose real-time graphics over real-world imagery and lets players interact with digital characters
• It encourages users to walk around the nieghborhood as their phone creates a digital map that mirrors their physical location
• Users throw "Poké balls" at the Pokémon on their screen to catch the creatures

Why to students want to play Pokemon GO?

• Pokémon GO is very popular amongst teens and in its first week of being released, the game became the most downloaded app on the App Store of all time
• Users go in search of “Poké Stops”—many of them places of cultural or historical interest, creating a new way to learn about their hometown or places you visit—and collect virtual items like “Poké balls
• Collecting Pokémon across different locations mirrors a scavenger hunt, which is naturally fun and engaging for kids
• Teens love doing raids and battles together on the app—it becomes a way to bond without the pressure of direct social confrontation

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Top concerns about Pokémon GO

• Users can drop lures to attract Pokémon and sometimes attract other users, leading to safety issues
• Many people view Pokémon GO as a fitness app because it encourages walking, but it's actually a game with fitness as a side effect—not a true health or workout tool
• Players can get so immersed in the screen that they walk into traffic, trip over curbs, or enter dangerous areas. There has even been injuries and fatalities reported related to distracted walking or driving while playing the game

• Reports have surfaced of predators using the game to lure kids to specific locations
• The game rewards daily streaks, ongoing challenges, and limited-time events, which can lead to obsessive play

What can parents and educators do?

• Explore the game as a family. It turns screen time into bonding time and gives you a chance to model safe behavior
• Establish safe zones: Create a clear list of approved areas and restrict play after dark or in unfamiliar neighborhoods
• Review how strangers might use the game: From lures to group chats, teens should know how to spot red flags and what to do when they spot them

What is Pokémon GO rated?

Google Play Rating: E (Everyone)

Apple App Store Rating: 9+

Based in San Francisco, California, USA. Owned by Niantic

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Privacy Policy

Pokémon GO in the news

Pokemon GO suggested they go hunt a Tornadus in the midst of severe weather. Pokemon GO fans shared their phones prominently alerted the users that a tornado warning had gone into effect in the area. However, right beside it, Pokemon GO alerts the user to a Tornadus Raid Hour, and that the user should "tame this storm." Source: GameRant

Playing Pokémon Go while driving likely led to increased traffic incidents, injuries, and even deaths. The gaming-related accidents, which increased by 26.5% near Pokéstops over the first 5 months following the game's release Source: Science.org

More resources for parents, students, & educators

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Conclusion

Pokémon GO blends the digital and real world in a way that’s exciting for kids—but it does come with safety risks. From location tracking to potential stranger interactions, it’s important for parents to stay involved. By setting boundaries and keeping the conversation open, families can turn this popular game into a safer, more positive experience.