Is Pokémon GO safe for kids?
Launched in 2016 with over 500 million downloads in the first two months, Pokémon GO became one of the most successful game apps. So, to help parents get a better understanding of this game, we have outlined the key information you will need to know.
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In the guide
What is Pokémon GO?
A part of the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon GO is an augmented reality mobile game. Players can immerse themselves in the universe of Pokémon and take on the role of Pokémon trainer. As a trainer, players use GPS-location-based settings to catch and train Pokémon.
Video game age rating
Pokémon GO has a PEGI rating of 7, which means anyone 7 and older can play the game. However, some children might struggle with the app mechanics.
The Google Play Store uses the PEGI 7 rating as well while the Apple App Store gives it a 9+ rating.
How does it work?
Every user is a Pokémon trainer and can customise the clothing and accessories of their avatar. They can then go out in the offline world to find and capture Pokémon and fight gym battles for their team (Valor, Mystic or Instinct).
Catching pokémon
As you move around, different types of Pokémon will appear depending on where you are and what time it is. There are even unique Pokémon based on geographical locations and events such as Stonjourner in the UK and a Pikachu wearing a saree for Diwali 2024 in India.
If notifications are set up, users’ phones will vibrate or ping when a Pokémon is near where they’re walking. Users can then tap on the Pokémon and swipe a Pokéball to try and catch them. Success rates depend on the Pokémon’s level, the user’s aim and the type of Pokéball used among other factors.
Gyms and Pokémon battles
Users can participate in gym battles with their Pokémon. Gyms are real locations that players can claim for their team after defeating the defending Pokémon. Users then keep their gym by adding their own Pokémon to defend it from others.
The more gym battles you win, the higher a level your gym will get. That means you can add more Pokémon to defend it. Having a high-levelled gym also means your chosen’s team’s presence increases in the local area. You’re also likely to earn special rewards by taking over gyms.
What is the age rating?
- The app has a PEGI 7+ rating for mild violence against fantasy characters. Users can engage the cartoon, fantasy characters in Gym battles, which involve two of them sending waves and elements between each other
- A rating of 9+ on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store
- A ‘For all ages’ rating on the Galaxy Store
Why is Pokémon GO so popular?
It’s free to download and it is a great app for Pokémon fans to play together as is based on the popular Pokémon series of the late 1990s. Because of this, the game is also popular among original adult Pokémon fans as it offers a sense of nostalgia. For kids, the game is popular due to its interactive augmented reality nature, which is a great way to get them moving instead of traditionally sitting in front of their devices.
Concerns surrounding Pokémon GO with helpful tips
Using location-based (GPS) technology, the app actively encourages users to have social interactions in the real world which are great.
Tip: Children may unknowingly be exposed to people who may pose a danger to them. With this in mind, it is important to reinforce to children that they should never meet someone they don’t know offline. And to agree on boundaries with them of where they can go or should avoid.
As the app requires you to focus on your phone to play the game there is the potential that players may be distracted when crossing roads or put themselves in harm’s way to capture Pokémon in different areas.
Tip: Simply dimming the screen and using the vibrate option to alert players to the presence of other Pokémon will help them keep themselves safe while playing the game on the go.
Another great tip for iPhone users is for both parents and child to use the same iCloud account. This will enable parents to use the iPhone app to see where they are using GPS on their phones.
Although the game is free, like many other games it features in-app purchases to purchase ‘Pokécoins’.
Tip: To make sure you don’t receive an unexpected bill at the end of the month, review your app permissions. See our parental control for ‘Pokémon GO and iOS and Android devices for further info.
As you’re the likely bill payer, it’s important you understand that the app requires constant GPS tracking, and it may eat up mobile data quite quickly, which can be expensive. If your child is on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG), it’s easier to regulate and limit how much your child is using the phone.
Tip: If your child is on a contract, it might be easier for your child to run up high bills. Although most network providers would set limits on usage if you asked them to so your child won’t run up high bills. Check out our Online money management guide for further tips.
See below for tips that could save on your data that involves using Google Maps offline.
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Tips to keep the game positive
- Play together: Go out for walks and on adventures together to try and find new Pokémon. If you played Pokémon growing up, it’s a great way to share that bond. If not, it’s a great way for them to share their interests.
- Encourage mindfulness: Children who struggle with coordination, such as those with dyspraxia or who are young, might find catching Pokémon challenging. Encourage them to take breaks when they start to feel frustrated, and to ask for help if they need it.
- Set rules around when and where: Make sure they stay aware of their surroundings. They shouldn’t play while crossing the street or around busy roads. It’s best for them to stop moving while playing rather than looking at their phone while walking.