Choose gifts carefully
Toys and play equipment have a very important role in helping children to learn and develop. They are crucial in a child’s understanding of their body and its abilities, as well as important tools in developing team work and imagination.
A high proportion of all toys sold in Australia are sold in the lead up to Christmas. Parents and carers need to ensure that gifts that children receive are safe and appropriate for the child’s age and abilities.
Good choices are what counts in ensuring safe play for children!
Unfortunately, poor choice or an impulsive selection may result in the purchase of unsafe or inappropriate toys, which may cause severe injuries. Data from the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit shows that the most common causes of injuries to young children are falls from furniture and play equipment, or falling onto toys. Injuries also occur when children collide with, or are struck by a toy or small wheeled vehicle.
When buying toys, Kidsafe recommends that you consider the following:
- Take notice of the age recommendation. These are linked to a child’s development and to safe use.
- Get advice on recommended brands and toys. Teachers, friends and toy libraries can help in finding appropriate, reliable and enjoyable toys.
- Read the label and instructions. Check that the toy meets the Australian Standards, and is therefore, non-toxic, non-flammable, and has the distributors contact details in case there is a problem.
- Explosive or projectile toys are not recommended for children under 10 years of age. In the case of older children, strict rules must apply for their use.
- Avoid toys with string. These can pose a strangulation hazard.
- Inspect the toy. Look at the quality of work and for things that might be a danger to your child, such as small parts that may pose a choking hazard (eg anything smaller in diameter than a 20 cent piece, or can fit through a toilet roll cylinder or into a 35mm film canister), and sharp edges or points which may pierce the skin and eyes.
- Be aware of toys that contain magnets and batteries. If swallowed by children, magnets can clump together and cause perforations and/or blockages. Small batteries used in some toys can be easily swallowed by children and can cause serious harm if the contents leak out.
- Be wary of toys that make loud noises. They can be harmful to a child’s hearing, particularly toys which are held against the ear.
- Purchase necessary safety equipment with the gift. Bikes and other small-wheeled toys require helmets, knee guards etc
- Discard plastic wrapping immediately. Wrapping may have sharp edges and could cause suffocation.
Choosing a safe and age appropriate toy is only part of the process of reducing the risk of injury to children. Parents and carers still need to ensure that toys are stored safely and that they are used in a safe environment. For example:
- Introduce new toys to your child in your presence so that you can be sure that the toy is safe and age appropriate.
- Create a safe play area away from hazards such as pools and driveways.
- Allow children to practice on a safe, flat surface, under adult supervision, when learning new skills such as riding a bike, scooter or skateboard.
- Supervise children to ensure that the toy is being used safely.
- Store toys down low so that children do not have to climb to reach them.
- Use a toy box with a safety type lid that won’t fall on a child and has holes for ventilation just in case a child should climb inside.
- Check toys regularly and discard broken toys immediately.
- Toys bought for older children should be stored away from younger children if they are not safe for them.
By following the recommendations above, the risk of injury from toys can be reduced, ensuring that a safe and happy holiday season can be enjoyed by all.
For further advice on toy safety please contact your local Kidsafe office or visit www.kidsafe.com.au .
The following Australian Government website also contains useful information on toy safety and many other children’s products:
www.productsafety.gov.au
For further information contact your local Kidsafe office or visit our website at www.kidsafe.com.au
