Scottish Daily Mail

Guess what? Most children DO prefer toys aimed at their gender

- By Steve Doughty Social Affairs Correspond­ent

CHILDREN really do prefer to play with toys aimed at their own gender, research found.

Mother nature pushes boys to favour more aggressive toys such as plastic guns and soldiers, while a similar inbuilt instinct may be why girls have always liked to play with dolls or cosmetics, according to the study.

However, girls have been less keen on such toys in recent years, suggesting the impact of feminism and heightened awareness of transgende­r issues has had an impact on what parents buy them.

Girls are more likely to be influenced growing up by parents, the adults and children around them, and what they read and see on television. However, boys typically stick to products aimed at them and even play aggressive­ly with traditiona­l girls’ toys.

Dr Brenda Todd, of London’s City University which led the research, said: ‘Despite difference among individual boys’ and girls’ behaviour, children do choose toys typed to their gender.’

The findings come at a time of deepening controvers­y over the choice of toys and clothes made by children in the name of transgende­r equality. This month the Church of England said its schools must let boys wear tutus and tiaras without comment.

 ??  ?? Boy’s toy: A catapult
Boy’s toy: A catapult

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