2024 Child Safety

Parents, family and friends shopping for children this holiday season are reminded that not all toys are the same. World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc., or WATCH, says some be dangerous.

The group recently released its 52nd annual list of the “10 Worst Toys” for 2024, highlighting what it sees as the hidden dangers lurking in many toys marketed to children. This year's list may serve as a reminder for parents and caregivers to remain vigilant about toy safety, especially during the holiday season when toy purchases peak. 

WATCH said the annual list should serve as a practical tool for raising awareness about potential hazards in toys. It includes items such as the "Transformers Earthspark Cyber-Sleeve," which WATCH says  poses a risk of eye injuries, and the "Kinetic Sand Scents – Ice Cream Treats," which could lead to ingestion injuries. The "Wubble Rumblers Inflatable Furious Fist" is noted for potential blunt force injuries, while the "Click N’ Play Toy Remote Set" presents choking hazards.

Most dangerous toys

Here are the top 10 toys on WATCH’s dangerous toy list:

•   Pinovk: toy Colt 45 pistol: Potential for tragedy from realistic toy weaponry

•     Bristle hedgehog: Potential for ingestion injuries   

•     Transformers earthspark cyber-sleeve: Potential for eye injuries

•     Kinetic sand scents – ice cream treats: Potential for ingestion injuries

•     Wubble rumblers inflatable furious fist: Potential for blunt force and impact injuries

•     Click n’ play toy remote set: Potential for choking injuries

•     Snackles – sandy: Potential for suffocation injuries

•     X-shot     poppy playtime: Potential for eye injuries

•     Playzone-fit tri-flyer: Potential for impact injuries

•     Zoo jamz doggy xylophone: Potential for ingestion and choking injuries

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 209,500 toy-related injuries occurred in the U.S. in 2022, with 29 reported deaths from toy-related incidents between 2020 and 2022. 

The group says that recalls, while important, are reactive measures that often occur after a toy has already caused harm. WATCH said it advocates for stricter safety standards and proactive measures to prevent injuries and fatalities.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sending over $72 million in refunds to Fortnite players who were unfairly charged by Epic Games.

This is part of a settlement where Epic Games agreed to pay $245 million after the FTC accused the company of using tricks, called "dark patterns," to make unwanted purchases easy.

Epic also allowed children to make unauthorized charges without parental approval and blocked some users from accessing content when they disputed charges.

The FTC found that Fortnite's confusing button setup caused accidental charges. Players could be charged by pressing a single button while the game was loading, waking from sleep mode, or previewing an item.

The FTC is now sending out 629,344 payments, half through PayPal and half as checks. Payments average about $114. PayPal recipients should redeem their money within 30 days, and checks should be cashed within 90 days.

For questions about payments, consumers can contact Rust Consulting, Inc., at 1-833-915-0880 or email admin@fortniterefund.com. Additional information and a claim form for eligible consumers are available at www.ftc.gov/fortnite. The FTC warns people not to pay or share account information to receive a refund.