What parents need to know about Harry Potter: Wizards Unite

Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is a new augmented reality game released by Niantic, the creators of Pokemon GO. Here’s what parents need to know about the app.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality uses your smartphone location data and camera to interact with the real world. Some apps use this to translate text in a different language in real time or show you the names of stars in the sky. While you’re playing an augmented reality game, an ordinary street corner could become a magical inn, or perhaps a Pokemon might appear in your living room. Both Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Pokemon GO are played while interacting in the real world.

Is it age appropriate?

Harry Potter: Wizards Unite does not yet have a PEGI rating, and is rated 9+ in the App Store.

Friends in the game

Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Pokemon GO allow players to add friends. Your friends can see limited information about you including progress you’re making in the game, your nickname and your profile. If your child is playing these games, it’s advisable to only add people they already know in the real world as friends.

Screen time

People playing augmented reality games might find themselves interacting with their phones at the expense of what’s around them. This could be a risk, particularly near transport, water or heights, so remind your child how important it is to stay aware of their location and what is happening around them.

Explore together

Sometimes the best way of exploring an app is to try it out for yourself. If your child is playing Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, why not play it with your child? You could make it something you do together to make sure they’re playing safely.

Log off sometimes

Take time to appreciate the real world together as a family. Make time to all agree to put down your phones and tablets and do something fun together.

Online safety

There’s never a bad time to discuss online safety together, and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite can be used to spark a conversation. Read our guide to protecting your child online for tips.

 

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