The Toy Association Urges Caution & Offers Safety Tips on Fidget Spinners
May 26, 2017, 12:13 ET
NEW YORK, May 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fidget spinners are the latest must-have gadgets, but as with any object found in a child's environment, parents and caregivers should take precautions to ensure their children are using them safely.
The Toy Association is encouraging families to heed important safety guidance, outlined below, regarding children's use of fidget spinners.
"Fidget spinners are a huge craze right now, sparking debate across the nation about the safety of these products," says Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association's "Toy Safety Mom" and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs. "We encourage parents to always supervise their children, and ensure they are playing with spinners in the way they are intended to be used. A good rule of thumb: if a fidget spinner doesn't look sturdy or doesn't have any age or safety labeling, don't risk it with your child."
- Follow Age Labels
Make sure fidget spinners are age-appropriate. Always follow age labeling, and if the spinner does not have age guidance on its packaging, don't buy it. Never give children under three years of age (or those who still put toys in their mouths) any items, such as fidget spinners, that have small parts. Children who are old enough to play with fidget spinners should be taught how to play with them correctly—and instructed never to put them in their mouths.
- Shop at Reputable Retailers
Shop at a reputable retailer that you know and trust. Those retailers will be selling products that have been tested and comply with strict U.S. safety standards. When a craze like the fidget spinners hits, you may be tempted to buy one for your child wherever you can find one (like at a pop-up vendor on the street or from an unknown online seller), but the safety of products sold outside a reputable retailer cannot be guaranteed.
- Tips for Light-Up Spinners
Small batteries are required to be secured so that a tool or coin is needed to access the battery compartment. Fidget spinners with a light-up feature might utilize small batteries that can be harmful if accidentally ingested. Avoid giving a child a light-up spinner if it does not also have a locking mechanism on the battery compartment.
- Check for Broken Parts
Check fidget spinners periodically for damage. Broken items should be discarded and not left in a child's environment.
These and other important safety tips for families are available at PlaySafe.org, The Toy Association's trusted resource for parents and caregivers.
About The Toy Association www.toyassociation.org / www.thegeniusofplay.org / www.playsafe.org
Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. 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 Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $80.25 billion, and its 950+ members drive the annual $26 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play, and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. The organization 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.
SOURCE The Toy Association