The Toy Association Response to 2022 W.A.T.C.H. ’10 Worst Toys’ List

Each year, W.A.T.C.H.’s “worst toys” list comes out near the holiday season, needlessly frightening parents and caregivers with misinformation in an effort to gain media attention. What’s important to know is that by law, all toys sold in the United States must first meet 100+ rigorous safety tests and standards before reaching consumers.

Here's just one example of W.A.T.C.H.’s lack of credibility: their report states that Reese’s Law was passed “to add more stringent regulations to batteries in toys and other products.” In fact, there has been a strict toy standard making batteries in toys inaccessible to children through the use of a locking mechanism since the 1990s – and the toy industry actually worked with legislators to develop Reese’s Law, so that the same strict battery standard for toys would be applied to other non-toy consumer products as well. As for the children’s watch mentioned in the report, it is irresponsible of W.A.T.C.H. to call that a “worst toy” when in fact, it goes above and beyond current safety standards for such products, including requirements for batteries.

The Toy Association advocates for children’s safety all year long, in contrast to W.A.T.C.H., which is heard from only once or twice per year, and whose false claims are not made by actual safety experts. Their report is riddled with misinformation like the one mentioned above.

Toys sold by legitimate brands and sellers are tested for compliance with over 100 standards, including:

  • a highly effective small parts regulation to prevent choking injuries developed with the help of pediatricians;
  • requirements for proper labeling and instructions on toy packaging (note: toys labeled 3+ contain a small parts warning, so parents know to keep these products away from infants);
  • a requirement that batteries in toys for young children be kept inaccessible thanks to the use of a locking mechanism;
  • and many more.

Families are reminded to choose toys that are appropriate for their child’s age, interests, and abilities; to always purchase toys from reputable stores and online sellers; and to supervise children during play.

More useful safety tips for families can be found at www.PlaySafe.org, The Toy Association’s free resource for parents and caregivers.