FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON – TOYS ARE SAFE
Fact-Based Analysis Discredits Unreliable Data Found in NGO “Unsafe” Toy Reports
NEW YORK, NY | November 15, 2016 – With the holidays just around the corner, families are likely to come across misleading reports circulated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) regarding allegedly “harmful” toys. However, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) – which works year-round to provide parents and caregivers with reliable information about safe play – is warning families not to fall for these fear-mongering tactics.
“The toy community remains steadfast in its year-round commitment to creating safe toys and games that bring joy and learning to children all over the world. However, each holiday season, a small group of non-governmental organizations seeks to generate publicity and donations for themselves with their alleged ‘unsafe’ toy reports,” said Steve Pasierb, TIA president & CEO. “These reports are not backed up with credible, scientific data, and instead needlessly frighten families during an otherwise joyful time of year. In fact, all toys sold in the U.S. are highly regulated 365 days a year by the federal government and must meet more than 100 safety requirements.”
TIA has conducted a thorough analysis of U.S. Public Interest Research Group’s (PIRG) 2015 “Trouble in Toyland” report and W.A.T.C.H’s 2015 “10 Worst Toys” list. The analysis revealed that the data provided by these groups is unreliable and consistently fails to support their allegations that the listed toys present any danger to children at play.
HERE ARE THE FACTS:
- None of the toys that PIRG and W.A.T.C.H. named in their reports have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the federal agency charged with overseeing toy safety, as a result of their allegations.
- W.A.T.C.H. does not test any of the toys it claims are unsafe. Their allegations are based on pure conjecture and opinion.
- PIRG also failed to use proper toy testing methods. Only one out of the 23 products named in PIRG’s report was properly tested by the group for safety.
Toy safety and protecting children at play is the top priority of the toy industry. TIA welcomes independent monitoring and analysis by outside parties – as long as these activities are carried out in a responsible manner. Unfortunately, groups like PIRG and W.A.T.C.H. do nothing to advance toy safety and are not serving the interests and well-being of children and their families.
TIA was a vigorous supporter of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, the federal consumer product safety legislation adopted in 2008, and works year-round with medical experts, consumer groups and government regulators to ensure the safety of children and maintain U.S. toy safety standards, which are among the strictest in the world. The Association educates toymakers on how to meet these standards and provides consumers with accurate facts about toy safety.
Families looking for reliable information are invited to visit TIA’s www.PlaySafe.org, an online repository of toy safety facts, recall information and tips for safe play.
About the Toy Industry Association (TIA) www.toyassociation.org / www.playsafe.org
Founded in 1916, the Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Association serves as the industry’s voice on the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative benefits of play, and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.