AN alarm has been raised over the sale of a number of toys deemed “inappropriate” for children in some stores in Bahrain.
This follows complaints from families that dolls and figurines with explicit or adult-like features were found displayed alongside regular children’s toys.
In response, a parliamentary bloc has submitted a proposal for tighter monitoring and stricter regulations on the import, sale and display of playthings.
The move calls for periodic inspections of toy shops and importers, age-appropriate labelling and clear separation between adult collectibles and children’s items.
It also urges the relevant ministry to co-ordinate with Customs authorities to prevent the entry of inappropriate toys and to ensure that shop displays comply with community standards.
The suggestion has received unanimous backing from both the Muharraq and Southern municipal councils.
The councils’ endorsement of the proposal, by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, will now be formally communicated to the Industry and Commerce Ministry, which is expected to issue inspection guidelines and compliance measures in co-ordination with local authorities.
“Protecting our children should never be a secondary issue,” said bloc and Parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom.
“We want clear enforcement, responsible trade practices and, ultimately, a safer marketplace for every Bahraini family.”
He said the proposal was necessary to “safeguard the values and innocence of children” while ensuring that retailers and importers adhere to ethical standards in the types of products they bring into the market and showcase.
“The issue here is about what kind of messages we allow to reach our children.
“When we find dolls or figurines with explicit features placed among children’s items, that becomes a social concern, not just a commercial one.
“We are calling on the Industry and Commerce Ministry to step in immediately and regulate imports, sales and displays to prevent such products from reaching the market,” added Mr Al Salloom.
Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk said the issue had been building up for some time, with many parents voicing frustration over the lack of oversight in some outlets.
“We have received several complaints from families that some toys, which are meant for adults or collectors, are being sold and displayed in children’s sections without proper warning labels. This exposes children to content and imagery that conflict with our social and cultural norms.”
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar praised the “timely and essential” initiative.
“Muharraq residents have raised similar concerns,” he said.
“Parents trust that toy shops are safe spaces for their children, but when inappropriate items appear there, it undermines that trust.”
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif also supported the move, emphasising that councils have a duty to uphold family and community standards.
“Children are among the most impressionable members of society,” he said.
“It is our collective duty – government, parliament and municipal bodies alike – to ensure that the toys imported, sold and displayed in stores are suitable for their age.
“What we are asking for is basic responsibility and oversight.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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