The European Union has banned children under eight from blowing up balloons unsupervised. Not only that, but it has chosen to ban traditional toys like party whistles, magnetic fishing games and other harmless toys that children have enjoyed for decades because regulators say they’re an unacceptable safety risk. Cuddly toys like teddie bears have also not escaped regulation.

The various toys are to be banned because their small parts and chemicals used to manufacture them are now deemed to be too risky, and may lead to accidental swallowing, choking and possible poisoning.

Those whistle blowers – that long coloured paper-tongue thing that makes that unique whining sound when blown, and a party favourite for forever – are now classified as unsafe for all children under 14.

Naughty…

Rattles and musical instruments? Keep them quiet. Seriously, it’s in the legislation.

The EU wet-blanket brigade has however defended itself:

These safety standards have been agreed by the UK together with the other EU member states in order to prevent every parent’s worst nightmare.

And another official was also aware how they were killing the vibe:

You might say that small children have been blowing up balloons for generations, but not anymore and they will be safer for it.

Cuddly toys have also not been spared, and all cuddly toys, especially teddie bears meant for children under the age of three, will now have to be fully washable because they could spread disease.

Professor of sociology at the University of Kent, Frank Furedi:

Toys and activities, such as blowing up balloons, are part and parcel of the type of children’s play that helps them become independent and self-reliant.

These bans diminish the experience, both of having fun and learning, by turning play into a danger zone with rules that stifle life and adventure for children.

He says the EU is trying to regulate children’s lives and that natural exploration, learning and having fun was going to suffer as a result.

[Source: Telegraph]