Ten toys with the potential to injure
With the holiday season fast approaching, many are thinking of potential toys to gift their young. However, the consumer advocacy group World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) recently released their list of the nominees for the “Worst Toys of 2016,” a list of potentially harmful and hazardous toys.
Toys on the list include Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddles Family (“POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES”) and the Flying Heroes Superman Launcher (“POTENTIAL FOR EYE AND FACIAL INJURIES”).
According to W.A.T.C.H., there have been at least 19 toys recalled with safety defects in the United States since January, 2015, including over 800,000 units.
The dangers of inconsistent warnings
While numerous toys are recalled each year, it’s important to note that recalls are a reactive solution, and not a proactive measure to prevent injuries. As such, many children could have suffered a possible injury due to inconsistent and even unheeded warnings. Parents and advocacy groups like W.A.T.C.H. should continue pressing manufacturers to be more aware of the dangers of certain toys.
What can parents do?
The most important thing parents can do is staying vigilant and mindful and taking precautions when shopping for toys over the holidays (and year round). In particular, parents should stay aware and not be lulled into a false sense of security when buying a toy. Classic toy dangers, including strings, projectiles and small parts resurface in new toys each year, despite the fact that most people are aware of the dangers they pose. Parents should inspect the toy and realistically assess if their child is in danger, or if he or she is too young for the toy.