Pokémon GO: Reduce Security Concerns

Your K-12 school, college, or university should be concerned about augmented reality games such as Pokémon GO because players — including some who aren’t affiliated with your institution — roam around campus, focused on their playing experience. Take steps to manage the risks of such games at your institution.

Pokémon GO, which racked up hundreds of millions of downloads in its early release and continues to be popular, focuses on “capturing” virtual creatures known as Pokémon appearing on device screens at physical points of interest (POI) where the game developer distributed them — without consulting property owners. Google Maps and some cities have maps to help players locate POI.

Pokémon GO players may be distracted by chasing and capturing Pokémon, which creates new risks. For example, players have had their phones stolen. Campus police at the University of Wisconsin and Chapman University, among others, warned people to be careful when playing the game at the height of its craze. In some cases, the game can become a public nuisance with players possibly disturbing campus memorials or other sensitive areas.

Manage Risks of Augmented Reality Games

Take these actions to reduce safety risks on your campus:

• Explain the game to staff who are unfamiliar with it. Caution them that they may see unaffiliated visitors entering campus grounds to play.
• Identify for staff the POI on campus where players are likely to congregate. This may be possible if POI can be determined using maps.
• Identify dangerous spots on campus. Ask campus security officers and groundskeepers to help identify areas where players may be particularly vulnerable because of poor lighting and unsecured or restricted access.
• Improve safety in crosswalks or other high-traffic areas.
• Repair or remove broken pavement or barriers on paths and walkways that may pose dangers to pedestrians.

Educate Students, Employees on Safety

Offer safety advice to students and employees who play these games. Provide these tips:

• Remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Play in pairs or as a group.
• Play in well-lit areas.
• Don’t drive or ride your bike, skateboard, or other device while playing the game.
• Don’t trespass on private property.
• Avoid areas where you normally wouldn’t go when not playing the game.
• Understand the game may be used as bait to lure players into dangerous situations.

The National Center for Campus Public Safety notes that some campus security departments may prefer to have campus POI removed or changed. Learn how by visiting pokemongolive.com and clicking “Support.”