NEW YORK -- April 29, 2004 -- Sandboxes, squirt guns, bikes and kites... these images of summer coincide with school vacation and kids flood the streets in a quest for fun. With thousands of innovative summer toys in stores, summer months present more outdoor playtime than other seasons, necessitating a heightened awareness by caregivers for child safety.
"Parents must engage children in a special conversation about toy safety and be involved in their children's summertime play. With parents keeping safety at the top of their minds, children will be able to enjoy the great outdoors all summer long," explains Heather Paul, TIA's Toy Safety Advocate. Though summer is the perfect opportunity for kids to run outside, cool off with the latest water toys, and ride bikes, scooters and skateboards, Paul says precautions should be taken. Parents should be aware of the increased risks that their children face with increased unsupervised play.
Paul advises parents to review summer safety tips, including instructions on where to play (away from bodies of water, traffic or in parking lots); what to wear to protect against serious injury (helmets, reflective clothing, kneepads, elbow pads and a horn or bell); how to drive motor-powered toys; and also to reinforce guideline to curb roughhousing or rough play. Posting a copy of TIA's kid-friendly Summer Safety Tip Sheet on the fridge can also help enforce a few simple, but effective rules during this special time of year.
Parents can download a free Summer Toy Safety Tip Sheet and obtain other important information on how to protect their children from summer injuries, including:
-- Toy safety quiz for parents to test their toy safety savvy.
-- Links to regulatory agencies
-- Downloadable brochures including "Fun Play Safe Play" and "Let's Play: A Guide to Toys for Children With Special Needs."
-- An opportunity to email toy safety questions and success stories at [email protected].
Parents may also order a copy of "Fun Play Safe Play" and "Let's Play: A Guide to Toys for Children With Special Needs," online or via mail, by writing to TIA, 1115 Broadway, Suite 400, NY, NY 10010, to request brochures.
About TIA
Founded in 1916, Toy Industry Association (TIA)(TM), formerly Toy Manufacturers of America, is recognized by government, trade, media and consumers as the authoritative voice of the North American toy industry. TIA (www.toy-tia.org) represents producers of toys, games, interactive products and holiday decorations. Its more than 390 members include manufacturers and importers (regular members), as well as design firms, professional inventors and toy testing laboratories (associate members). TIA also owns and operates the American International TOY FAIR(TM), which will take place February 20-23, 2005.
