Is Pokémon GO safe for kids? An honest Pokémon GO review for parents.

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that uses GPS and smartphone cameras to allow players to catch virtual creatures, called Pokemon, in the real world. The game was released in 2016 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

While Pokemon Go is generally considered a safe app for kids to play, there are some potential dangers associated with the game. One of the main concerns is that players may become so focused on catching Pokemon that they lose awareness of their surroundings and potentially put themselves in danger. There have been reports of players getting into accidents, such as walking into traffic or falling off cliffs, while playing the game.

To help mitigate this risk, the game includes a warning message that reminds players to stay aware of their surroundings and to avoid dangerous or private areas. Additionally, parents can encourage their child to play in safe locations and supervise their gameplay to ensure that they are not putting themselves in danger.

Another potential danger associated with Pokemon Go is the risk of children interacting with strangers while playing the game. While the game does not allow players to communicate with each other directly, players can leave "lures" to attract Pokemon to specific locations, which may draw other players to the area. This can potentially lead to interactions with strangers, some of whom may have malicious intentions.

To help mitigate this risk, parents can educate their child about online safety and the importance of not sharing personal information with strangers. They can also set boundaries for where their child is allowed to play the game and supervise their gameplay to ensure that they are not interacting with strangers.

Another potential danger associated with Pokemon Go is the risk of in-app purchases. While the game is free to play, players can purchase in-game items with real money, such as Pokeballs and other items that help them catch Pokemon. To help mitigate this risk, parents can set up parental controls on their child's device to prevent them from making unauthorized purchases.

In conclusion, Pokemon Go is generally considered a safe app for kids to play, but there are some potential dangers associated with the game. By taking steps to mitigate these risks, such as supervising their gameplay, educating them about online safety, and setting up parental controls, parents can help ensure that their child has a positive and safe experience while playing the game.

Bark lets you choose precisely how and when your child will use Pokémon GO on their device — down to the exact minute. Set daily time limits or follow a schedule. This could look like “no Pokémon GO during the school day” or “only 2 hours a day”

When it comes to online safety, Bark also lets you block websites and apps, create screen time schedules, and track location when your kid is out and about.