Child Development Expert Barred From Exhibit

03/25/2004

Child Development Expert Barred From Exhibit

"Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed." - Irene Potter

CHILD DEVELOPMENT EXPERT BARRED FROM EXHIBIT

Professor Diane Levin of Wheelock College, a well-known expert on children and play and a co-founder of the coalition to Stop Commercial Exploitation of Children (SCEC) was barred from the Hasbro exhibit at the International Toy Fair on February 16, 2004 because she signed a letter to Tom Conley, president of the Toy Industry of America. The letter from the SCEC Steering Committee expressed concerns about toys marketed to children that promote junk food, violence, precocious sexuality, and adult media.

Among the toys mentioned in the letter was Hasbro's Play Doh McDonald's Restaurant, recommended by Hasbro for children three and up. SCEC's letter to Mr. Conley describes the toy as, "A Play-Doh kit with molds for making burgers, buns, fries and shakes. The molds take control of play away from children and undermine creativity. Toys linked to fast food restaurants focus children's play on foods high in fat, sugar, salt and calories. In doing so, they promote poor nutrition. While they may help create brand loyalty from an early age, they can contribute to obesity and eating disorders, a growing problem for children."

Professor Levin was scheduled to visit the exhibit with Boston Globe columnist Barbara Meltz, who is writing a story on toys that facilitate children's play. Wayne Charness, Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications at Hasbro, phoned Ms. Meltz and informed her that because Professor Levin signed the letter, she would not be allowed in the Hasbro exhibit.

Professor Levin said, "Since the Boston Globe story is about toys that are good for children, I am shocked that Hasbro would not let me in the exhibit because of SCEC's letter. I think that Hasbro and other toy manufacturers need to hear how the toys they market affect children's growth and development."

The letter, and links to the toys, can be found at: http://www.commercialexploitation.com/events/toyletter.htm

Stop Commercial Exploitation of Children is a coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups and parents who counter the effects of marketing to children through education, advocacy and research.

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