What is it about the holidays that brings out all of the wet blankets warning against dangerous toys? For some reason, despite the fact that most Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys are fairly innocent and promote several different kinds of play, there’s always at least one group of people who have to ruin the fun for everyone. This time around, the group is known as WATCH (World Against Toys Causing Harm), and they have taken issue with one of Leonardo’s Katana toys.
In their expose about the so-called 10 Worst Toys of 2015, they chose Leonardo’s Electronic Stealth Sword as one of the most dangerous toys of the year. Some of the other toys mentioned on their list included a soft plush dog on wheels and a doctor play set, both fairly innocuous and non-threatening. The reason for their mention on this list? Potential choking hazard – something which is required by law to be stated on the box in the first place. In other words, regardless of how valid their complaint may be, they’re talking about an issue that every decent parent already understands.
When it comes to Leonardo’s Electronic Stealth Sword, the reason for its placement on the list is much more obvious, as it is literally a toy weapon. That being said, kids have been playing with toy swords for hundreds of years now, and there is no reason to believe that this one is any more dangerous than the others. In fact, the sword is designed to make noise in order to promote safer play, as light contact will create the effect of real sword play.
Another issue with the decision to put Leo’s Katana on this list is that it is not the only toy weapon on the market. There are several Marvel and Star Wars themed toy weapons that could potentially be just as dangerous as this TMNT toy. Why pick on one toy weapon from one franchise in your list of the 10 Worst Toys of 2015? It seems a bit strange when you think about it.
Whatever the case may be, toys like this have always been an issue for certain parents. Thankfully, they can vote with their wallets and choose not to buy the item if they feel their children will use it to cause harm to others. There’s no need to call out one specific toy sword over others, especially when the manufacturers are required to place warnings on the packaging in order to inform parents of the possible dangers associated with their product.
Almost anything can be used to harm people, and nearly everything is a choking hazard. It’s up to the parents to promote safe play and decide whether or not a toy is right for their children. Don’t let some wet blanket WATCH group decide what your kid should and shouldn’t enjoy!