A national survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the Toy Industry Association (TIA) of U.S. parents of children 18 or younger has revealed only 27 percent of parents “strongly agree” that the recommended age on the toy’s packaging is a major factor in their selection. According to the TIA, these age recommendations are based on developmental maturity and heeding them is necessary to keep play both fun and safe.
The survey also found that just 26 percent of U.S. parents strongly believe that families should keep toys for older children separate from those made for children under three. A mere 18 percent of parents strongly agree that adults usually demonstrate the right way to play with a toy before giving it to a child. These behaviors conflict with guidance from toy safety experts, who recommend that toys meant for older children be kept in a separate toy chest that cannot be accessed by children under 3, and that demonstrations are crucial to a child’s safety.
