KINGSTON, Jamaica – Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) and Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) are encouraging parents and guardians to prioritise children’s health and well-being when shopping for toys during Christmas.

Director of Communication at the CAC, Latoya Halstead, says although toys provide fun, they can also pose potential risks, including hearing loss.

“We are, therefore, encouraging adults to avoid buying toys that make a loud sound and discourage children from placing noise-emitting toys close to their ears as this can result in even greater damage to hearing,” the director advises.

Toys, such as cap guns and musical instruments, can emit sounds as loud as 120 decibels, equating to the noise the engine of a jet emits as the aircraft prepares to take off.

“Instead, you should look for toys that are designed for the child’s age group and read the labels before buying to ensure that the instructions are clear. Ensure the toy does not have small, detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard, or sharp edges that could cause injuries,” Halstead advises.

She maintains that in addition to creative play, toys should help to foster a child’s development, enhancing both fine and gross motor skills.

Toys can also be excellent tools for children’s emotional growth and social development.

The director emphasises that video game safety should be another key consideration during the Yuletide season, and advises parents to check the ratings on game packaging.

“By checking the ratings, you can determine if the game is appropriate for the age range of the child for whom it is being purchased. For instance, games rated ‘T’ for ‘Teen’ have content that is unsuitable for children under 13. The better choice is games that are rated either EC for Early Childhood or E for Everyone,” Halstead explains.

Beyond the home, the director also cautions against allowing children to participate in risky activities at entertainment venues.

Halstead urges parents to avoid allowing children, especially those under 16, to use trampolines or ride all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) unsupervised.

She points out that these activities are more suitable for adults, and pose significant safety risks to children.

Meanwhile, JFB Deputy Commissioner, Sean Martin, encourages parents to pay close attention to batteries in toys.

He cautions that when battery-operated toys are brought into the home, parents and guardians must check the power sources regularly for leaks and corrosion.

“Also, if a toy’s battery is dead, remove it. Do not mix old batteries with new ones, as this could lead to leaks and, potentially, fires,” the deputy commissioner explains.

He adds that “you also need to know the lifespan of the batteries that you are using”.

“Alkaline batteries, like Duracell, last longer than regular batteries; but, over time, these batteries can swell or leak,” Martin adds.

Regarding toys with rechargeable batteries, he encourages parents to observe the manufacturer’s instructions, as improper charging could lead to overheating or even fires.

– JIS