The latest annual “Trouble in Toyland” list finds an interactive doll, fidget spinner, and peg games among the most potentially dangerous toys on the shelves.
Hanna Picknell is with Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG). She says the “My Friend Cayla” doll uses insecure Bluetooth technology that is a security risk.
“It’s just one example of dolls and other toys that are able to connect to the internet that parents should be cautious of and think about before buying," Picknell tells KLCC.
"The questions that it asks, like your child’s name and school, likes and dislikes…when the device is connected to your phone, it uploads that information to an online website which can be used for any number of purposes.”
Picknell adds Target has just taken a brass colored “Fidget Wild” spinner off its shelves for having excessive amounts of lead.
This is the 32nd year OSPIRG has released its dangerous toys list. Toys that make the list often pose a choking hazard, have high amounts of lead, or overheating batteries.
WEB EXTRA: Hear the full interview between KLCC's Brian Bull and OSPIRG's Hannah Picknell on this year's list of dangerous toys, and what parents can do if they feel a toy may not be safe for their child.
For parents or guardians who may not be sure if a toy may pose a choking or ingestion risk, OSPIRG suggests using a toilet paper or paper towel tube. If the toy - or any of its parts - can slide through it, then it could potentially be dangerous. OSPIRG uses a plastic tube that assesses the risk, seen here with dice and pegs from a number of games found at many dollar stores and convenience markets.
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