Pokemon Go Play: Beware of real-life Team Rocket

Pokemon Go, the new game trend developed by Niantic Inc., caught all the attention of
mobile gamers around the globe. Lots of people, whether they are young or young at
heart, pull out their phones from their pockets and exit their houses to start their
adventure in search for pokemons. What’s its difference from any other game is its
unique feature of real-life travel across the land to search for variety of Pokemons.
Popular social networking sites were also flooded by posts about the game as many
Pokemon enthusiasts rejoiced. Even the non-fans expressed their wonder due to its
rising popularity after its big release.
The discussions about the game did not only occur in social media platforms but also in
Filipino households, office buildings and most especially, school campuses.
It is known that several schools have strict policies with the use of cellular phones
before, during or after classes. The release of the game increased the awareness of
school administrations to tighten their rules for their students.
Despite the enjoyment that the students receive, playing the game can also bring them
harm. It is reported that many gamers got involved in kidnapping, robbery crimes and
other accidents due to travelling alone especially at night. This type of case can also
happen to any student that wanders alone inside or outside the school to find a
pokemon.
Because of this hot issue, the Department of Education (DepEd), has released a
statement about school administrators deciding whether or not to ban the said game in
school campuses.
“Schools have the autonomy to manage and decide based on their school manual and
consistent with decentralization,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said. She also
added that it is normal to prevent activities that may interfere with the focus of
students in their studies.
Other than that, students must be informed about the dangers ahead of them due to
consistent intolerance of playing. The parents must also pay attention to the activities
of their children in order to guide them to the safe path of having fun.
The game may provide many players the freedom to explore and bring out the hidden
Ash in them but always remember that the possible appearance of Team Rocket may
also try to destroy their plan and cause them huge trouble.