What the labels of video games and toys for children tell us
It is estimated that 12% of the video games on the market are not suitable for children under 16 years of age. How can we know if the game we just bought our child adapts to his age? Very easy, through the symbols that we will find in the videogame. The same thing happens with toys. In all of them w
It is estimated that 12% of the video games on the market are not suitable for children under 16 years of age. How can we know if the game we just bought our child adapts to his age? Very easy, through the symbols that we will find in the videogame.
The same thing happens with toys. In all of them we will find very valuable information. A stuffed animal or a toy is not the same for a month-old baby as it is for a three-year-old child. What is educational and stimulating for one, can become a real risk for the other. Hence the importance of learning to read labels.
How to read the labels of children's toys
- The age of the child: The first thing we have to take into account when giving a toy to a child is his age. In all toys you must specify the age of the recommended child to be able to use it. In the case of babies, the months (0 months, 3 months, 0-6 months ...) will be indicated. For a newborn to be entertained with a toy, the symbol of 0+ or 0-3 months, 0-6 months must always appear ...).
- Hazards from small parts: If a toy has small parts, it must be indicated by a warning that is visible to the naked eye. Normally it will be accompanied by the symbol of a crossed out circle with the age 0-3 inside.
- Place of origin: Do not trust any toy that does not specify its place of manufacture and origin.
- Electronic toys or batteries: If the toy is electronic, you must specify what maximum power it uses. If it works with batteries, it must be accompanied by a drawing explaining what type of batteries it uses and how to place and dispose of them.
- CE guarantee seal: If the toy comes from Europe, the CE seal guarantees that it complies with the relevant safety regulations.
How to read videogame labels
In the case of video games, we must pay special attention to the following: The initials that determine the age of the game are: PEGI. There are several categories (PEGI 3, PEGI 7, PEGI 12, PEGI 16 and PEGI 18).
- PEGI 3: Video games recommended for three years, can not include scenes of violence, sex and any content that refers to drugs, discrimination ...
- PEGI 7: From 7 years, games can include moderate scenes of violence and others that can generate fear. But you should always warn of it by the relevant symbols. A fist, in the case of scenes of violence and a spider in the case of scenes of fear.
- PEGI 12: In this case, children will be able to find violent scenes closer to reality and more coarse language, although they should never get to the bad language. You can also find half-naked.
- PEGI 16: These video games may include explicit violence, sex scenes, discrimination and reference to topics such as drugs.
