Shoppers are being warned about the rising number of dangerous toys being sold online in the run up to Christmas.
A new campaign by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) is warning that, for parents feeling the pinch, the appeal of cheap toys could have fatal consequences.
The charity is urging parents to think twice when buying cheap toys from online marketplaces, as they often come from abroad and haven’t been safety tested.
Warning from TV doctor
TV medic Dr Punam Krishan, a GP in Glasgow with two young children, is backing the initiative which she describes as “incredibly important and worthwhile.”
CAPT is flagging up the increasing number of unsafe toys sold online, which may be made with toxic chemicals, long cords that can strangle or small parts that can choke a young child.
Experts at the charity say super-strong magnets in cheap toys can rip through a child’s gut while easy-access button batteries can kill a child if swallowed.
And they warn that unsafe, illegal toys that have been removed from sale can simply reappear under another seller on the same online marketplace.
High cost of cheap buys?
Katrina Phillips, chief executive of CAPT said: “With cost-of-living pressures, we’re all looking for cheaper alternatives, but these could come at a very high cost.
“To put it simply, some of these toys can kill. That’s why we’re launching this campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of buying cheap toys on online marketplaces.
“Figures show that up to 85% of accidents to under fives happen in our homes.
“We’re urging families to follow our toy-buying tips this Christmas.”
Dr Punam Krishan added: “As a parent I know how much we want to see those happy faces when the kids find the toys they really wanted under the tree at Christmas.
“It’s so easy to buy presents online without checking who the seller is or where they’re based.
“Doctors deal with the aftermath of accidents to children and anything we can do to safeguard our children’s lives is worth supporting.”
What are top tips for buying?
Take care when buying from online marketplaces. They don’t have to check if the toys they sell are safe.
If you can, opt for well-known brand names and retailers.
Check who is selling the toy. If it’s a company you’ve never heard of, with no UK or EU address and the price is temptingly low, the toy may be illegal and unsafe.
High-risk toys best avoided from unknown brands and sellers include those with:
Super-strong magnets that can rip through your child’s belly;
Easy-access button batteries that can kill your child if swallowed;
Long cords that can strangle your child or small parts that can choke them;
Chargers that can catch fire or wires that can cause electric shocks;
If you buy a toy that looks unsafe, trust your instincts and send it back.
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