A ‘Pokemon Go’ player shows his screen at Government House, one of the sites the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has demanded the game’s developers remove. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Parents should let their children play the non-violent Pokemon Go game as it could help bring family members together, a child psychologist says.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Where will Pokemon Go lead Thai society?” Thursday, Panrapee Suttiwan, child psychologist and early interventionist, said many parents dislike the game because of a few reports of accidents and players being robbed.
Parents have grown concerned about the safety of their children as players have to roam the streets to “catch” the digital Pokemon characters with their smartphones.
The game’s lack of violence is a bright spot, she said, adding the game may also encourage families to take part in outdoor activities together.
She also suggested parents join their children in Pokemon hunting expeditions to encourage family bonding.
Joining their children also gives parents the chance to set rules to avoid possible risks and accidents, Ms Panrapee said.
Puchong Laurujisawat, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s Department of Psychiatry, said the Pokemon craze should not take flak over a few accidents.
“If children fall down a sewer while playing the game, it could mean that our pavements are not safe enough for people to walk on.”
He also said attention deficit hyperactivity disorder existed, and been caused by video game addiction, long before the arrival of Pokemon Go.
Some parents are concerned the game would make their children want to stay out late, but they never ask themselves if they have taught their children about self-discipline, he added.
Meanwhile, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) sent an e-letter demanding that Pokemon Go developer, Niantic, set four no-go zones for players in Thailand.
It said the developer must not place Pokemon characters and items around state property, religious sites, private and “dangerous” areas.
The NBTC does not have the authority to ban the game in the country but will send another e-letter if there is no feedback from the developer.
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.