NEW YORK -- Aug. 18, 2003 -- Toy Industry Association (TIA(TM)), the trade association of the North American toy industry, reminds parents, caregivers and everyone who interacts with children that toy safety and safe play require constant monitoring, as well as access to accurate and up-to-date information. With these concerns in mind TIA created www.toyhotline.org, a free year-round source containing helpful and comprehensive information on safe play.
The Toy Safety Hotline (www.toyhotline.org) contains specific accident prevention information, instructions on creating safe play environments, searchable toy listings, recommendations for selecting age appropriate toys and a full range of information related to toy safety and safe play. Contact information for toy companies and regulatory toy agencies is also available on the website.
Additionally, free informative brochures can be ordered via www.toyhotline.org including brochures on fun and safe play and a guide for children with special needs, available Fall 2003.
"Education is a key factor to ensure children play safe and avoid potentially hazardous situations. Our cyber-hotline is designed to offer the most comprehensive toy safety information available any time to all who are in a position to care for children," said Tom Conley, President of the Toy Industry Association.
In addition to the cyber hotline and information brochures, TIA provides leadership in the creation and development of toy safety standards worldwide. TIA represents over 370 manufacturers and importers of toys who account for approximately 85% of all toys distributed in the North America. Those toy manufacturers are committed to providing safe, fun and innovative playthings for children while adhering to the strictest federal and voluntary standards in the world. The association is determined to make important and often-overlooked safety information widely available to parents and caregivers free of charge. These services provide an easy, accessible and positive environment for adults to obtain vital information to ensure safe play.
Individuals and organizations that wish to obtain toy safety and safe play information without Internet access may write 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 370 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 16-19, 2004.
