Second Annual Toy Safety Awareness Month

Kicked Off in November

The Toy Association Educates Families on Safe Toy Shopping for the Holiday Season

With the holiday shopping season well underway, The Toy Association is offering parents, grandparents, and other gift-givers reliable toy and play safety advice as part of the second annual “Toy Safety Awareness Month.” Throughout November, The Toy Association and its toy manufacturer and retailer members will be offering parents and caregivers information on safe toy shopping, appropriate toy selection, and safe play at home.

“Our members work year-round to design, produce, and deliver products that comply with 100-plus strict federal safety standards and tests to safeguard children at play,” said Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs. “However, safety is a partnership shared by industry and consumers, and Toy Safety Awareness Month aims to equip families with the resources they need to ensure every play date is both fun and safe.”

As families get ready for a fun-filled holiday, they are encouraged to play it safe with these important tips from PlaySafe.org:

Tip 1: Avoid Counterfeit Toys

A recent survey of 2,000 United States parents conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Toy Association found that 41% of parents would be tempted to buy a hot-ticket item for their child if it was being sold for a much cheaper price from an online seller they weren’t familiar with. The Toy Association is urging shoppers to research products and sellers before making their purchase in order to avoid potential counterfeits and ensure children are gifted toys that meet all safety standards.

It’s always better to buy the real thing or wait for a trusted retailer to re-stock the product you’re looking for than to buy a “fake” toy or cheaper alternative that has the potential to be unsafe.

Tip 2: Age Labels Matter

The same survey found that 60% of parents would allow their child to play with a toy meant for an older child. But contrary to what some might think, age labels on toys are not mere suggestions. They are established by experts who take many factors into account to ensure children’s safety. Toys labeled 3-plus might contain small parts that are a choking hazard for children under 3 or those who still mouth toys.

If there is no age label on the packaging or in the online description, it’s best to find another item that is clearly marked for the child’s age.

Always check – and follow – the age recommendations and instructions that accompany toys. Check out more safety tips at PlaySafe.org.

Tip 3: Avoid Non-Toy Items that Could Present a Risk

Sometimes, kids are gifted (or come into contact with) non-toy products such as desk accessories, home decorations, watches, and remote controls that are not meant for kids and may contain small batteries and/or high-powered magnets that can be accessed by children and are very dangerous if accidentally swallowed. Similarly, latex balloons are not toys and can pose a choking risk to children when uninflated or broken into pieces.

Stick with purchasing toys intended for children, since there are strict federal standards in place to make sure those products are safe.

“No matter how old your children are or where they’re playing, be sure to supervise them, or better yet, play with them,” added Lawrence. “Demonstrating the correct way to use a toy or game helps your child understand how to safely enjoy it. And research shows that play is beneficial for adults, too. Playing together as a family relieves stress, builds lasting memories, and paves the way for a safe and joy-filled holiday season.”

The Toy Association and its members take toy safety extremely seriously. In addition to educating parents and caregivers about safe play year-round, The Toy Association works with government agencies and leading e-commerce platforms to combat illicit sellers of counterfeit toys and has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago.

Follow The Toy Association on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to share play safety posts throughout November in honor of Toy Safety Awareness Month (#ToySafetyAwarenessMonth, #PlaySafe.org). ❖