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In a recent Reddit post, user u/perishableintransit shared a disheartening experience during the Cyndaquil Community Day Classic in Pokemon GO. The post highlighted concerns about parental engagement while playing the game, sparking a lively discussion among community members about responsible gameplay and child supervision:
"I am begging you: Pokemon GO parents, it is NOT worth the shundo or rank 1 GL mon to ignore your child. Stop putting your child through this in order to feed your Pogo addiction"
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The original post recounted them being approached by an 8-10-year-old child, who pointed to their mother, who was playing Pokemon GO on two devices, seemingly detached from the real world.
This encounter left user u/perishableintransit feeling uncomfortable and saddened by the apparent neglect. They contrasted this behavior with the positive experiences they had observed, where families played together, engaging with their children and sharing the excitement of the game.
The post emphasized the importance of parental involvement and supervision, especially in crowded public spaces. The Reddit community responded with a mix of personal anecdotes and advice, shedding light on the broader implications of mobile gaming on family dynamics.
Reddit user u/queeraxolotl shared a positive story of how Pokemon GO became a family activity after a concussion. Initially a motivation to walk, it soon turned into a shared obsession, promoting family walks and bonding.
Original poster u/perishableintransit followed up, explaining how the game helped them overcome lockdown depression by encouraging outdoor activities.
They acknowledged the game's addictive nature but stressed the need for balance and restraint, especially for parents.
User u/Apprehensive-Mix-522 discussed the balance between gaming and parenting. As a parent of a six-month-old, they highlighted the priority of their child's well-being over game progress, sharing how they adapted their gameplay to suit their child's needs.
Another user, u/QuixoticLogophile, reflected on the evolving nature of playing Pokemon GO with their son.
They recounted how the game provided a hobby that allowed for quality time with their child, but emphasized the importance of putting the phone away to engage in real-life interactions.
User Malfoy657 offered a perspective as a nanny for a Pokemon-obsessed child:
"I'll say this much. I am the nanny for a 4 year old. Kid is obsessed with Pokemon. Has a lower end tablet that barely runs the game, but, every morning we go for a walk through the nearby park"
They described the child's tendency to interact with strangers and explore the environment, stressing that responsible caregivers can monitor and ensure safety even when children are given some freedom.
These responses collectively underscored the potential benefits of Pokemon GO in promoting physical activity and family bonding, while also highlighting the need for responsible and attentive parenting.
Things parents need to know about Pokemon GO
1) Safety concerns: Pokemon GO encourages exploration of real-world locations, which can pose risks if unmonitored. Parents should discuss the game's risks with their children, establish gameplay rules, and consider playing alongside them to ensure safety.
2) Age restrictions: The app requires users to be 13 or older to sign up. However, children under 13 can use it with a parent's authorization. Parents must verify their identity to create an account for their child and can delete the account if needed.
3) In-app purchases: While the app is free, it offers in-game purchases using Poke Coins. These can enhance gameplay but are not necessary. Parents can restrict in-app purchases through device settings to avoid unexpected charges.
4) Privacy concerns: Users can sign up with a Trainer account or a Google account. Initially, the iOS version requested full access to users' Google accounts, which was later corrected. Parents should ensure they and their children understand the app's privacy terms before signing up.
While Pokemon GO has numerous benefits, such as exercise and family bonding, it is equally important for parents not to become completely disengaged and ensure their children are safe and healthy.
The community's responses prove a fine line that says gaming should not be taken as the ultimate factor that ruins all real-life experiences; rather, it should add to the family experience.
