Calls for ban on 'toothpick crossbow' toy
Parents concerned over nature of injuries caused by crossbow toy
(Web Desk) - Across China many concerned parents are raising their voice against a new small toy - a crossbow that can shoot sharp toothpicks. The toy is selling across the country like hotcakes while parents are calling for a nationwide ban against the hazardous toy.
This toy is readily available in shops, near schools and online. Videos online demonstrate how this toy can easily pierce through cardboards, apples, meat and even soda cans. It can cause serious injuries if the sharp toothpick is replaced with a metal needle.
Different versions of this small toy are readily sold online, the plastic versions can cost around 4 Yuan (61PKR) while the metal versions are slightly expensive that costs 10 Yuan (153 PKR).
Many concerned parents wrote on Chinese microblogging website, Weibo, expressing their reservations over the inaction to ensure a complete ban on the toy. “Hurry up (and ban them), pupils do not understand the consequences of playing with this toy that can cause accidents sooner or later,” wrote a parent on the site. Another worried parent commented: “Our primary school is investigating into this toy and they’re very dangerous.”
Over the concern of this hazardous toy, Chengdu, a major city in hina’s southwest reportedly issued banning of selling and distribution. Other cities like Kunming and Harbin have also banned selling of this toy.
While the toy does come with a warning not to be aimed at people or animals, the packaging of one similar looking product claims the product can be used for killing cockroaches, which many might say is not a bad thing.
