18 Products That Were Marketed to Kids but Shouldn’t Have Been
This list shows 18 products that were marketed to children but probably should not have been.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Kids are often targeted by flashy products, but not all of them are good choices. This list points out 18 times companies went too far, selling things to children that were unsafe, inappropriate, or just plain questionable. It is a reminder to look a little closer at what is being sold to kids.
1. Joycat Baby Float
Franco Monsalvo on Wikimedia
Marketed as a fun pool accessory for infants, the Joycat Baby Float posed serious safety risks. Its detachable canopy could cause the float to flip, posing a potential drowning hazard. Authorities have since issued recalls, urging parents to discontinue its use immediately.
2. Baby Einstein
YouTube on Wikimedia Commons
Promoted as tools to boost infant intelligence, Baby Einstein videos faced criticism for lacking scientific backing. Studies indicated minimal educational benefits, leading to debates about their effectiveness and marketing claims.
3. Smart Vapes
Jacek Halicki on Wikimedia Commons
Combining video games with vaping, Smart Vapes blurred the lines between entertainment and addiction. Their appeal to younger audiences raised alarms about targeting minors with nicotine products.
4. Prime Energy
Harry Cavanagh on Wikimedia Commons
With caffeine levels exceeding recommended limits for children, Prime Energy faced bans in schools and criticism for its youth-centric marketing. Health experts warned of potential risks associated with its consumption by minors.
5. JoJo Siwa Makeup
JoJo Siwa on Wikimedia Commons
Aimed at young fans, JoJo Siwa’s makeup kits were found to contain asbestos, a known carcinogen. The discovery led to product recalls and raised concerns about safety standards in children’s cosmetics.
6. Hello Kitty Whistle
Halokattiez on Wikimedia Commons
Included in McDonald’s Happy Meals, the Hello Kitty whistle posed choking risks due to detachable components. Reports of children inhaling parts led to a widespread recall of the toy.
7. Aqua Dots
Nick Connolly at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed as a creative toy, Aqua Dots contained a chemical that metabolized into a dangerous substance when ingested. Several children fell ill, prompting a global recall.
8. Bratz Dolls
Timo Tervo from Finland on Wikimedia Commons
Bratz dolls faced criticism for promoting mature themes and fashion to young girls. Debates centered around their impact on children’s perceptions of body image and sexuality.
9. Flavas Dolls
Berna on Pexels
Flavas dolls were created to represent hip-hop and city life, but many people disliked the way they were portrayed. The dolls used a lot of stereotypes, like certain clothes and slang. This gave kids the wrong idea about what the culture is really like.
10. Water Beads
Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK on Wikimedia Commons
Popular for sensory play, water beads can expand inside the body if ingested, leading to serious health complications. Their appealing appearance masks potential hazards.
11. Anti-Aging Skincare
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
Children influenced by online trends began using anti-aging products, exposing their sensitive skin to harsh chemicals. Dermatologists warn against such practices, emphasizing the importance of age-appropriate skincare.
12. Ultra-Processed Baby Foods
MART PRODUCTION on Wikimedia Commons
Many baby food pouches, marketed as healthy options, are actually ultra-processed and high in sugar. Experts warn that these can lead to poor nutrition and health issues in young children. Parents are advised to use them sparingly and not as meal replacements.
13. Candy Cigarettes
Alf van Beem on Wikimedia Commons
Candy cigarettes mimic real smoking products, potentially normalizing the habit for children. Health advocates argue that these treats can desensitize kids to the dangers of smoking. Many countries have since banned or discouraged their sale.
14. Realistic Toy Guns
Zombies1559 on Wikimedia Commons
Some toy guns look alarmingly real, leading to dangerous misunderstandings. There have been instances where children with realistic toy guns were mistaken for carrying actual weapons, resulting in tragic consequences. Calls for stricter regulations on toy gun designs have been made.
15. Energy Drinks
Oto Zapletal on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed with flashy ads and sweet flavors, energy drinks appeal to younger audiences. However, their high caffeine content can be harmful to children, leading to health issues like heart problems and sleep disturbances. Health experts advise against their consumption by minors.
16. Violent Video Games
Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Pexels
Some video games, despite age ratings, are marketed in ways that attract younger players. Exposure to violent content at a young age can influence behavior and desensitize children to aggression. Parental guidance and adherence to age ratings are crucial.
17. Fast Food Kids’ Meals
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Fast food chains often include toys in kids’ meals, making them more appealing to children. This marketing strategy can lead children to prefer unhealthy food options, contributing to poor dietary habits. Nutritionists advocate for healthier meal options for children.
18. Child Beauty Pageants
Angel Rondon on Pexels
Child beauty pageants often emphasize appearance over other qualities, exposing children to adult-like standards of beauty. Critics argue that these events can impact self-esteem and promote unhealthy body image perceptions from a young age.