How safe is the toy you may be buying for someone this Christmas? New research suggests that toy companies often take too long to issue recalls after they become aware of safety hazards.
Naomi Priest, Australian National University and Tania King, The University of Melbourne
We reviewed research into gender stereotypes and biases in early childhood, and found gender as a social category develops early in life, and insight into some gender stereotypes begins early.
Though research is still ongoing, therapists’ practical experience and adults’ and kids’ self-reflections suggest that fidget toys can be helpful for emotional and cognitive support.
Toy pianos typically have a range of 12-36 keys, roughly one quarter the range of a full piano. But they are used by composers and music makers to write everything from concertos to pop songs.
At Christmas shopping, you may have noticed toys are becoming very complex. They fly, hop, jump and follow you around – some even need to be ‘connected’. But why are we seeing such technical advances?
2019 marks the 60th anniversary of the world’s most famous doll, Barbie. It’s an opportunity to look back at the journey of its creator, Ruth Handler, a visionary leader and model for women.
With the surprise meticulously planned, all eyes – and lenses – turn to the kids. All they have to do is react as expected: overjoyed. So why don’t they?
There’s a spectrum of quality when it comes to what kids can do with screen time. An expert in early childhood technology suggests picking tech activities that promote problem-solving and fun.
Many children receive gift cards or even ask for them so they can choose their own presents. But are youngsters ready to handle the wiles of advertisers and the complexities of ‘credit’ on a card?
Ken dolls with a ‘man bun’. Female superhero action figures. At long last, the gendered distinctions of the pink and blue toy aisles are starting to break down.
As Amazon introduces a new smart-home device aimed at children, it’s important to know many internet-connected toys are not secure, putting kids’ security and privacy at risk.
The technological revolution has hit the doll aisle this holiday season in the form of artificial intelligence dolls. What does it mean for children’s development, to confuse real bodies with machines?
Professor, School for the Future of Innovation in Society & School of Computing, Informatics and Decision Systems Engineering, Arizona State University