Pokemon Go ‘bad for your health’, leading psychologist says

A LEADING psychologist has called on parents to limit the length of time they allow their children to play Pokemon Go on mobile phones.

John Oates, senior lecturer in developmental psychology at the Open University, believes the craze will stop young people developing social skills. 

He believes no one should play the game for more than two hours a day, with at least one day off a week. 

The phone app, which challenges users to roam the real world in search of virtual cartoon monsters on their smartphone’s camera screen, was downloaded more times in the first week than any other app in history. 

Mr Oates said: “Apart from the obvious safety risks such as children getting lost, run over or falling into lakes, I am concerned overuse of this game may inhibit a child’s development.”

Pokemon Go does not help children progress skills of creative thinking or deep thinking

John Oates
He said although Pokemon Go encouraged outdoor exercise and fun, it did not “benefit social development or a child’s ability to build extended social networks”. 

He added: “Social collaboration is at the core of intellectual development.” 

Mr Oates also said the game was unable to “support the development of analytical or logical thought,” another key element of mental growth.

“Because the game is reactive and children don’t control any aspect of it, Pokemon Go does not help children progress skills of creative thinking or deep thinking which are significant drivers for childhood development.

“I would rather they were looking for butterflies or take part in educational activities, where they have a more active role in determining their actions rather than being driven by demands of the game,” he added. 

“This game is fun and it does encourage children to be out in the fresh air, but it needs to be limited.” 

Launched on July 6 the Nintendo game has become popular with children and adults across the world. Its popularity has grown so rapidly it currently has more users than either Twitter, Whatsapp or Tinder. 

However, safety experts in many countries have warned that playing the game puts people at risk of crime and violence. 

In what is believed to be the first Pokemon gaming death, an 18-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting as he played in Guatemala. 

There have also been multiple reports of players falling victim to robberies and assaults as they wandered the street, oblivious to the real world. 

In other incidents gamers have wandered into dangerous locations in search of “pocket monsters” such as Pikachu and Jigglypuff. 

Four British teenagers had to be rescued after they wandered into a cave system in Wiltshire searching for Pokemon characters to capture. 

And in Indonesia, a French player was stopped by police and questioned for several hours after the app led him into a military base. He was later released. 

? John Oates is leading a free, online course, Childhood In The Digital Age, from July 25 on FutureLearn.