Don’t put your kids at risk with suspect quality toys bought online
As research shows 60% of toys bought online are unsafe, child accident experts tell LISA SALMON how parents can avoid dangerous items
MORE parents than ever this year have jumped on the computer to buy their children’s presents online due to Covid restrictions. But while toys sold in the UK and EU have to meet important safety standards, toys offered on online marketplaces may not and could pose a danger to children without parents realising, warns the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT, capt.org.uk).
Over the past year, tests by the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA , btha.co.uk) have found
86% of the toys bought from online marketplaces were illegal to sell in the UK as they failed to comply with UK toy safety requirements, and 60% were unsafe for children to play with.
“When using online marketplaces, be more cautious with third party sellers and use tips for staying safe, so your children enjoy the gift of safe play,” advises Natasha Crookes of the BTHA.
“We recommend shopping early with trusted retailers either online or using click and collect or in-store where that’s allowed.”
And Katrina Phillips, chief executive of CAPT, adds: “With pandemic restrictions and financial pressures, many parents are heading online to buy toys this year. But some toys sold through online marketplaces don’t meet UK safety standards, and as a result, some children have been very badly hurt.
“So we’re encouraging parents to understand the danger signs to look out for if they’re shopping for toys on an online marketplace. We want to help families shop safely and keep dangerous toys out of their homes this Christmas.”
Here’s what CAPT says anyone buying toys online should look out for before buying.
Watch out for small loose parts
BE wary of toys which don’t meet safety standards and contain small or loose parts, small magnets, button batteries, or long cords, as they can cause serious injury to children.
Small button batteries may be swallowed by young children and burn a hole through their oesophagus lining; small magnets, which may be included in magnetic building block toys, for example, can be so strong they can burn through the gut if a child swallows them; long cords could strangle a child; small, loose parts can choke or suffocate a child.
High chemical levels
CAPT says some toys, such as counterfeit plastic crying dolls, even contain dangerous levels of chemicals. Obviously, high chemical content isn’t something parents can detect with the naked eye, which is why they should only buy toys which meet safety standards.
Be aware of where you’re buying from
DON’T forget online marketplaces feature lots of different traders on one platform you may be buying from a seller based in a part of the world where safety standards for toys are very different to those in the UK and Ireland.
CAPT says it’s a legal requirement to have a UK or EU address to sell toys here, and if a company is based outside the UK or EU, the toys may not necessarily comply with our safety standards. Some sites have a ‘Sold by’ link where you can check the seller’s address.
Don’t just assume a toy is safe
ONLINE marketplaces aren’t responsible for the safety of all the products they sell, warns CAPT, and Katrina stresses: “This means you can’t rely on them to make sure the toy you buy won’t hurt your child.”
Choose reputable retailers
IF your budget can stretch to it, head to reputable retailers online, or the websites of well-known brand names, or include the brand name in your toy search on online marketplaces.