The Blogfathers

The organization World Against Toys Causing Harm has released a list of the most dangerous toys in 2006. I can see how some of these toys can be a bad idea but also how almost any toy can be harmful. There must be another million candidates for this list. The Z launcher, Bow & Arrow Set, and Sky Blaster certainly seems able to cause harm if used inappropriately. Asking a small kid not to aim at “the eyes or face of a person as an injury could result” or that users must “alert all within range when launching Sky Blaster.” is not going to be effective.

Personally, I think it’s up to parents to make sure any toy is appropriate for their child. This shifts more of the responsibility to the individual parents which probably is too old fashioned. That leaves no room for the mandatory multi-million dollar lawsuit:-) I’m certainly guilty of letting my son play with some potentially dangerous toys now and then. Early on he played with small cars, most in the “3+” category, that had small parts which could fall off. And last winters snow racer adventures without a helmet probably wasn’t a good idea. That my son is calm and responsible is no excuse but we’re now being more observant.

Do you have any toys at home that make you nervous and belong on this list?

Edit:World Against Toys Causing Harm is a non-profit organization who wants to give parents more education regarding dangerous toys. More information about W.A.T.C.H. can be found on their site and you can find a short write-up about their increased popularity here

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