Pokemon Go Raids update could put innocent kids at risk of meeting perverts, parents warned
Child safety website issues warning about game which brings players to the same location to fight virtual battles
A NEW update for the smash hit smartphone game Pokemon Go could lead kids into the clutches of real life monsters, it's feared.
The latest update introduces Pokemon Raids, which lets up to 20 strangers meet to take part in a battle.
Net Aware, an NSPCC service which warns parents about dangerous websites and apps, said this means kids and adults could be brought together in real life to fight virtual battles.
It wrote: "Players, who do not necessarily know each other and may not be the same age, will be brought together to battle."
The new update works by notifying players - who are usually children - where there is a raid happening in their area.
They can also use the "Nearby" feature to find raids happening around them.
They can either choose to be automatically matched with other players or link with an existing group in secret by clicking 'Join Privately' and providing a group code.
Net Aware are warning parents about the potential dangers to their child's safety that the Pokemon Raids pose, particularly around meeting up with strangers.
How to protect your kids when they're playing Pokemon Go
- Talk to your child regularly about what they are doing online and the risks of meeting up with strangers whilst using this app. Let them know they can come to you or another trusted adult if they're feeling worried or upset by anything they have seen
- Explore the game with your child.
- Let them know they can come to you or another trusted adult if they're feeling worried or upset by anything they have seen.
- Explore the game with your child.
- Agree rules together on the safe use of technology as a family.
- Make sure you know where your kids are.
- Manage your technology and use the settings available to keep your child safe on Pokemon GO.
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Worryingly, if children click the "Join Privately" feature, their parents may not have a clue where they have gone.
Pokemon Trainers get one Raid pass per day and must pay 79p per pass if they would like more.
The game asks for personal information such as email address and a date of birth, which players are asked to manually enter or share through their social media accounts.
Bosses say this is so they can verify a child's age, or parental consent if under the age of 13.
Rapes, sex attacks and GBH were among the 120 crimes linked to Pokemon Go within just six weeks of game’s launch last year.
The Raid battles take place at "gyms" which can only be accessed when players are at specific locations.
In its safety FAQs, Nintendo explained that these gyms "should be located at publicly-accessible locations, such as historical sites, public works of art, interesting architecture, and unique local businesses".
For more information on Pokémon GO, and for any help adjusting the safety settings on your gadgets, you can speak to an expert advisor at the O2 NSPCC Online Safety Helpline on 0808 800 5002.
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