Toy recalls and warnings have many consumers on edge this holiday season. Education World talked with toy safety experts, who provided advice and resources to make shopping less stressful. Also, read about this season’s hottest gifts and some sure-to-please teacher gifts.
Included: Tips for ensuring a toy is safe for your child or student.
Toy recalls and warnings about lead paint, small parts, and tiny magnets have parents and teachers walking down the toy aisles a little more cautiously this holiday season.
The recalls along with consumer concerns have sparked action by the U.S. government as well as toy manufacturers and retailers to increase consumer confidence during the busy shopping season.
Between 60 to 70 percent of all toy purchases are made during the last months of the year, which also is when many new toys are introduced, said James Swartz, president of World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) , a non-profit group dedicated to toy safety. W.A.T.C.H. annually releases a list of what it considers the ten most hazardous toys of the year.
Despite recent efforts by the government and retailers, shoppers need to be vigilant, he said. “Don’t assume a toy is safe it because it is for sale in the U.S.," Swartz added. “When we stop doing that, we are on the way to a safer holiday season, and we know what hazards to look for."
More About Toy Safety
Click the links below to read more on this topic.
Stepping Up Inspections
The Chinese and U.S. governments and the toy industry have increased efforts to weed out unsafe toys.
Too Little, Too Late?
Some U.S. consumer groups think toy safety should have been addressed years ago.
