It’s important for parents to note that this game encourages users to explore real-world locations in order to progress, which can present risk. PokéCoins are the game’s virtual currency and can be used to purchase premium items in the game.
The game can be played alone and elements of it (such as Raid Battles) can be played with others. There is not currently in-game chat functionality on Pokémon Go. However if players add someone to their ‘Friend List’ they can interact with them by sending virtual ‘Gifts’ for example. They can also use other apps for chatting, such as the Niantic Campfire app.
Pokémon Go does have parental controls features. If a player states that they are under the age of 13 when they sign-up for a Pokemon Trainer Club Account, they must share their parent’s email address. On receipt of an email from Pokémon Customer Service, parents can verify their child’s Pokémon Trainer Club account by signing up for their own account and linking it to their child’s. From here they can manage their child’s safety settings, for example they can make their child’s profile public or private, turn off the ‘Friend List’ feature so their child cannot connect with other players and turn off advertising content. Additional safety settings may be available on the gaming platforms being used to play Pokémon Go on.
