Declaration on the Vital Importance of Toys

The following statement was prepared by the Spanish Toy Association (Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Juguetes – AEFJ) and provides the many vitally important reasons why toys are so necessary to the development and well-being of children. This statement was endorsed by the members of the International Council of Toy Industries at their Annual Meeting in June 2006.

1. Children have played with toys throughout history and in all cultures.  Toys promote children’s well-being.
   
   
2. Toys have a central role in children’s play with one another and help them develop socially.
   
   
3. Toys support the right to play in childhood which is essential to healthy child development. 
   
   
4. Restriction of the right to play and the time to play has serious consequences on children’s development and their later behaviour as adults.
   
   
5. Toys are vital tools that help foster the mental, physical, emotional and social development of boys and girls. 
   
   
6. Toys support the right to education through encouraging play and learning. 
   
   
7. Toys are basic instruments for the development of children’s fantasy, imagination and creativity.
   
   
8. Toys are available for all stages and ages of child development. They enrich family life by fostering fun, amusement and communication between all family members, regardless of age.
   
   
9. A safe, secure environment is essential for play. Toys must be safe and of high quality to avoid foreseeable hazards.
   
   
10. Providing they comply with all the conditions necessary to ensure children’s safety, toys are an integral part of their development.

Posted 1.16.06