With the holidays fast approaching, parents will be in search of the most wanted toys on their child’s wish list. Unfortunately, just because a particular item is popular and in high demand, it does not mean it is necessarily safe. In past years, it was hoverboards, fidget spinners, and the Pokemon Go craze that had parents concerned after reports surfaced of serious personal injuries among users. This year, a consumer safety group has recently issued their list of the top toys for 2018 that they claim have the potential to cause children harm.
Dangerous Toy Watch List
World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) is a consumer group that has caused some controversy, particularly among manufacturers in the children’s toy industry. Critics claim the group plays on parents’ fears and raises unnecessary concerns over toys that have been safety tested. WATCH claims they are simply warning parents of the potential dangers. While the toy industry spends billions on marketing their products each year, the group says that the amount spent on testing is inadequate and that parents are unaware of the injuries children often suffer as a result.
To call attention to the issue, WATCH publishes its own list of the 10 most dangerous toys each holiday season. The list is intended to raise awareness by illustrating hazards posed by otherwise ‘safe’ products on the market. Toys on the 2018 list include:
- Nickelodeon Nella Princess Knight Pillow Pets Sleeptime Lites, marketed for infants despite warnings that battery acid leakage could occur;
- Chien A Promener Pull Along Dog, marketed to children as young as one year, despite a 9 foot long string ‘leash’ which could prevent a strangulation hazard;
- Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket, marketed to children as young as six, despite warnings regarding the potential for eye and face injuries;
- Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel Superstar Blade, which, despite warnings about the dangers of hitting or poking others, features a spring-loaded plastic blade for doing just that.
Dangerous Children’s Toys
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides oversight of children’s toys and other consumer items to ensure they adhere to safety standards. Even with government oversight and strict standards, close to 250,000 toy-related injuries occur each year. To protect your children, particularly over the holiday season, follow these precautions:
- Avoid buying toys from off-price outlets, which may be selling older products and imports which do not adhere to safety requirements;
- Use caution when purchasing toys online, which may be shipped directly from other, less vigilant countries;
- Review the CPSC recall list regularly, to ensure there have been no reported safety issues;
- Thoroughly inspect all toys prior to letting children use them, paying attention to all warnings and age guidelines.
Contact Us Today for Help
When injuries occur as the result of defective or unsafe products, the manufacturer can be held liable. If someone you love has suffered these types of injuries, reach out and contact the Johnston Law Firm to request a consultation.