It looks like the birthday boys and girls of Britain will be missing a few party favors after new safety regulations are implemented by the government.
Classic toys such as latex balloons, magnetic fishing games, whistles and party blowers are among the items that will no longer be invited to the party due to the danger they pose on young children. The government feels small plastic pieces and broken latex balloons possess choking hazards and should not be in the hands of unsupervised children.
The modern latex balloon has been around for about 70 years and I suppose it has taken the government that much time to recognize the dangers broken balloons pose on children. This must be new information that a child has the ability to put a piece of broken balloon in their mouth and have it block their airway.
It is understandable that children need to be protected from choking hazards, but at what cost? Should the government have the power to mandate what our children are allowed to play with? Who will be ensuring these new safety regulations are followed? And finally, what punishments can parents expect if their child is caught blowing up a balloon unsupervised?
Will entering a birthday party evolve to something like this: “Okay children form two lines. If you are less than eight years old stand on my left and if you are over eight years old stand on my right. Alright, now everyone on my right, here are your balloons. Go crazy. Blow them up, throw them, pop them, whatever you desire because you are nine years old and you are aware and understand the dangers that go along with balloons. Okay now everyone on my left, here are your yo-yos…. Oh wait! You may asphyxiate yourself with those, here are some foam balls. Don’t throw them at each other or try to put them in your mouth; I know how you eight year olds love to put toys in your mouths… Have fun kids!”
The repercussions of the new safety rules have yet to be seen, however, we can ascertain that many children’s parties will have the fun sucked out of them.
