Comment by joannabregan

2 days ago

I'm the author, and my husband immediately had the same feedback: iPad should be at the top of the list. I responded that iPad wasn't a toy, and he strongly disagreed.

I agree. I'm not sure about "toy", but something that gives the child zero agency definitely falls hort of the definition of "play".

From research on a comment in another area, the European Union at least says "no" on the toy claim. Things in the EU "not considered as toys". [Directive 2009/48/EC, Annex 1] 14. "Electronic equipment, such as personal computers and game consoles, used to access interactive software"

[Directive 2009/48/EC, Annex 1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32...

Only exception is stuff that's kind of a "specially designed personal computer" meant to "have a play value on their own".

Weirdly, even specially designed console like a Switch, Playstation, or XBox are not really legally a "toy" in the EU.

Imo, there would be no value in writing something where an iPad would satisfy the requirements, and I appreciated the list, and we're thinking about the large magnatile things now.

Do you have an easel whiteboard paper roll thing? I think it fits this list.

  • I tried the easel and whiteboard paper roll when my kids were younger and it was not a great experience. But I think those things change with time. Cool to hear it fits the list for you.