Every day, people are waking up and reaching for their phone to play Pokemon GO. That might not sound like a problem, but it is. Several people have died, and many more gotten injured, while chasing and battling virtual creatures in traffic and other places that are no play grounds.
Pokemon is a game you can play on any electronic device. The game’s idea is that you have to locate and catch Pokemons by tapping on them when they show up on your screen. The special thing though, compared to other games where you are stuck on your sofa, is that the figures you should catch often appear in places outside, like on a street or in a shop – anywhere really. You would think this is a great way of getting people to move around more, and it is. It can also do good things for the community: Pokemon GO players have on several occasions been successful in stopping crime since they are out and about in unusual places.
But there are dangers with Pokemon GO. Now that so many people are playing it, too many are doing dangerous and careless things. Some people are playing whilst driving, trespassing into other people’s houses, and some players are getting mugged when they find themselves in dodgy neighbourhoods. Some have also been taken by the police when they have played in places that are considered holy or special, such as churches, graveyards or concentration camps.
As with so many fun things, it is fine to play Pokemon GO as long a you are careful. It is recommended that you play with an adult or at least don’t play alone. Remember to be SAFE.