Toy Association Speaks about Safety of Toys at U.S. PIRG Press Conference

November 20, 2023 | The Toy Association was invited to speak at U.S. PIRG’s annual “Trouble in Toyland” virtual press conference last week. Joan Lawrence, senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs and The Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom,” spoke alongside chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Alexander Hoehn-Saric, consumer and safety advocates, and a pediatric emergency medicine physician during the November 16 press event.

“Speaking on behalf of the toy community allowed us the unique opportunity to discuss the safety of toys made and sold by responsible manufacturers and retailers and answer timely questions about specific product categories and emerging issues,” said Lawrence. “We were able to address some common misconceptions about toy safety and share practical advice for safe shopping and safe play at home with an expanded audience of consumers during the holiday shopping season.”

Lawrence highlighted many of the standards and tests that go into making safe toys, including tests for mechanical and physical properties, small parts and small magnets, batteries, sharp edges, expanding materials, and more, as well as requirements for protecting children’s privacy online.

While noting that toys are among the safest consumer products found in the home, Lawrence provided safety guidance for families, including how to avoid counterfeit toys sold online, how to monitor for recalled product, why it’s critical to follow age labels on toys and supervise play, and how to be vigilant with “smart” toys and other internet-connected products in the home.

“The Toy Association’s participation in PIRG’s event compliments our third annual “Toy Safety Awareness Month,” underway throughout November, which shines a spotlight on the toy industry’s deep commitment to designing, producing and delivering safe product to children,” said Adrienne Appell, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. “We encourage our members to get involved in the conversation on social media by sharing our safety tips and directing shoppers to PlaySafe.org for trusted toy and play safety advice year-round.”

Toy Safety Awareness Month will continue through the end of November; any individual or company that wishes to be an advocate for safe play is encouraged to get involved. The Toy Association’s safety content can be shared using #ToySafetyAwarenessMonth and #PlaySafe. Be sure to follow the latest updates on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.