Toys Are The Cause Of Stereotypes In Children

Play has always been an important part of a child’s developmental stage. It was “. . . acknowledged as a basic right of children worldwide in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which by the end of 2008 was signed by 192 nations” (Ozanne and Ozanne 264). People worldwide have acknowledged that it is important for a child to play; whether it be with toys bought from a store, or simple toy elements made from cloth such as blankets. But have we ever considered the effects certain toys could have on our children? Many parents do not realize that anxiety and depression disorders can commonly occur during the early years of their lives. “Anxiety disorders are among the most frequent occurring child psychiatric problems with prevalence estimates approaching 10% among preschool children” (Marakovitz et al 234). “Depression is less often diagnosed in early childhood but prevalence estimates up to 2% for preschoolers . . .” (Marakovitz et al 234). Are toys really the cause of these disorders? Though toys

. . toys have become high-stakes playthings. They provide children with fun and fantasy while teaching hard-edged social norms . . .” (Benson). Some parents may only see the negatives with teaching children at young ages social stereotypes, but there are positive to the teachings. “Play also helps teach children about social roles, for better and for worse. When a boy learns that certain toys are for girls only, or that certain kinds of violent play are off limits, he is discovering something about society in which he lives” (Benson). And what those boys are discovering is that some children, girls or boys, cannot play rough. Whether it be for medical reasons, such as asthma, or social reasons, such as social anxiety, some children cannot play roughly. ““It’s teaching children social stereotypes and social norms, both the good and the bad,” says Tamis-LeMonda”