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Unsafe Toy List Includes Internet-Connected Doll

WAMC

A consumer group’s annual report released today warns that unsafe toys remain widely available and the dangers to children may not be obvious.  

The 32nd annual Trouble in Toyland report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Groupunderscores familiar warnings about small parts and balloons that children can choke on, dangerous chemicals that are linked to serious health problems, and introduces a new worry – toys with internet connectivity that put a child’s privacy at risk.

"The message today is clear; we need to protect the youngest consumers from unsafe toys," said  Kane Sheek, a campus organizer with MASSPIRG,  as he discussed the report’s highlights Tuesday at the YMCA in Springfield – one of several news conferences held in the region to coincide with the nationwide release of the toy survey.

As an example of the privacy concerns posed by toys that are part of the so-called “Internet of Things,” the reports lists the “My Friend Cayla” doll, which contains a Bluetooth device that could allow a stranger to listen in to a child’s conversations.

" The advice is not to buy this toy, but if you do be careful and make sure you know who is connected to the toy," said Sheek.

He  said the doll is the subject of several complaints pending before the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and was banned in Germany because of personal privacy violations.

In July, the FBI issued a warning to consumers to take cybersecurity into account before bringing internet-connected toys into their homes.

The consumer group’s report warns people to be on the lookout for two fidget spinner models that were found to contain excessive levels of lead.   Earlier this month, Target removed the spinners from its store shelves and website, but the manufacturer has not recalled the devices.

More than 30 toys and children’s products have been recalled in the last 12 months, often with little or no publicity, so Sheek urged people to check the list in this year’s report.

"Always examine toys carefully for potential dangers before making a purchase," cautioned Sheek.

Democratic State Rep. Jose Tosado of Springfield spoke at the news conference and urged people shopping for toys as gifts for the holidays to read the PIRG report.

"Some of these toys are very attractive, geared to young kids, with all the bells and whistles, but that can sometimes lead to very tragic events," said Tosado.

Advocates said the annual toy safety report has led to more than 150 recalls and other enforcement actions during the last 30 years.

In response, the Toy Association issued the following statement:

Many of the items named in U.S. PIRG’s supposed “Trouble in Toyland” report were previously recalled due to ongoing regulatory vigilance, and are no longer offered for sale. In typical fashion, PIRG has resorted to simply listing recalled toys because they couldn’t find safety violations among the toys that are on the market. As a result, the group is needlessly frightening parents and caregivers during what is supposed to be a joyful time of year.
 
As innovative products continue to emerge, the toy industry works with experts to review and revise toy safety standards whenever necessary.
 
Safety is the toy industry’s top priority every day of the year. For more information, families are invited to visit www.PlaySafe.org, The Toy Association’s website for parents and caregivers.
 

The record-setting tenure of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. The 2011 tornado and its recovery that remade the largest city in Western Massachusetts. The fallout from the deadly COVID outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. Those are just a few of the thousands and thousands of stories WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill has covered for WAMC in his nearly 17 years with the station.
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