UK: Parents no longer buy toy guns for their children

It was once regarded a harmless children’s game but “cops and robbers” may become a thing of the past as parents are no longer buying toy guns and swords for their children over fears that it encourages violence, experts have said.

Most nurseries are now banning toddlers from bringing in and playing with toy weapons, according to a poll of over 1,000 nursery owners, managers and staff.

Sue Learner, editor of daynurseries.co.uk, which published the poll, said there is a fear among mothers and fathers that toy guns and swords can stir up aggression in toddlers.

The survey found that around four in five of those questioned said that toy weapons are not allowed in their nursery, while about a fifth  said they were permitted.“There is this fear toy guns and swords encourage aggression and violence and create a noisy, chaotic atmosphere,” Ms Learner said.

“I realise many nurseries are under pressure from parents due to these perceptions. Yet if we ban toy weapons, we are controlling children’s imaginative play. Playing cops and robbers or baddies vs goodies are physical games involving running, crouching and hiding.”

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