A surprising find in the aisles of BIG W sparked an intense debate among shoppers and parents over what's appropriate for kids.

The retailer's 'Deddy Bears' range has eight zombie-like characters wrapped in a black body bag, with an accompanying autopsy report detailing their bizarre cause of death.

For example, one of the characters apparently dies from a 'wooden stake through the heart'.

Many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the toys, with one shopper saying she 'felt disturbed' while browsing for toddler and preschool toys. 'Includes body bag and autopsy report. But don’t worry, they’re also super soft,' she noted.

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Vambear and Bundle, $25. Credit: BIG W

Other outraged shoppers called the toys 'the stuff nightmares are made of' and argued they are in 'bad taste' and entirely 'unnecessary for children'.

On the other hand, some consumers believed that these toys, although unconventional, would be received positively by children.

A spokesperson for BIG W said the Deddy Bears are intended for an 'older audience' and will be available for a limited time only.

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Spekter, $25. Credit: BIG W

However, many people have come to the defence of the unique playthings, with one parent saying: 'This is what’s wrong with the world. Too many upset so easily and think everything is inappropriate.'

Another BIG W shopper added: 'This generation is in huge trouble with all these precious parents. World’s gone soft.'

While it might sound like an interesting novelty idea for some, several experts have warned of the dangers behind the toys.

Child psychologist Deidre Brandner explained that such toys have the potential to cross the line, resulting in young children encountering ideas and concepts that surpass their cognitive and emotional development.

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Bones, $25. Credit: BIG W

'It can be very confronting for children when toys they love become infused with a sinister element,' she said. 'Toys that take inspiration from horror films take away the notion that they’re designed solely for children.'

Justin Khoury, CEO of Unbound Minds Psychology, agreed that the increasing prevalence of anxiety among children is a cause for concern.

He said: 'Unexpectedly encountering the concepts of being burned alive or succumbing to flesh rot by reading a mock autopsy report in the toy section of a discount department store is not conducive to the healthy emotional development of a young child.'

Key Takeaways

• A new children's toy sold at BIG W resembling a corpse in a body bag, part of the ‘Deddy Bears range, has drawn criticism from some parents who find them 'confronting' and inappropriate for children.
  
• The playthings, which include an autopsy report detailing their causes of death, have incited polarising reactions on social media, balancing between accusations of undue sensitivity and valid child protection concerns.
  
• Following the criticism, BIG W explained the toys were part of their early Halloween range and intended for an older audience, predicting a limited stock lifespan due to impending sales.
  
• Child psychologists warn against exposing young children to toys incorporating dark themes, arguing that it may overshadow the nurturing purposes of play and could prematurely introduce children to menacing ideas that outpace their cognitive and emotional development capabilities.
  

What about you, members? Do you think these toys are appropriate or inappropriate for children? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Dragonflies 1]

Yeah well that is really on the dark side isn’t it !!!

 

[JKD]

Not a bit in favour however surely it is up to the parents to boycott? Ultimately it is up to a parent what their child is exposed to.

 

[ruth02]

It’s simple, don’t buy them

 

[Lorrainer]

A surprising find in the aisles of BIG W sparked an intense debate among shoppers and parents over what's appropriate for kids.

The retailer's 'Deddy Bears' range has eight zombie-like characters wrapped in a black body bag, with an accompanying autopsy report detailing their bizarre cause of death.

For example, one of the characters apparently dies from a 'wooden stake through the heart'.

Many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the toys, with one shopper saying she 'felt disturbed' while browsing for toddler and preschool toys. 'Includes body bag and autopsy report. But don’t worry, they’re also super soft,' she noted.

View attachment 28185

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Vambear and Bundle, $25. Credit: BIG W

Other outraged shoppers called the toys 'the stuff nightmares are made of' and argued they are in 'bad taste' and entirely 'unnecessary for children'.

On the other hand, some consumers believed that these toys, although unconventional, would be received positively by children.

A spokesperson for BIG W said the Deddy Bears are intended for an 'older audience' and will be available for a limited time only.

View attachment 28184

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Spekter, $25. Credit: BIG W

However, many people have come to the defence of the unique playthings, with one parent saying: 'This is what’s wrong with the world. Too many upset so easily and think everything is inappropriate.'

Another BIG W shopper added: 'This generation is in huge trouble with all these precious parents. World’s gone soft.'

While it might sound like an interesting novelty idea for some, several experts have warned of the dangers behind the toys.

Child psychologist Deidre Brandner explained that such toys have the potential to cross the line, resulting in young children encountering ideas and concepts that surpass their cognitive and emotional development.

View attachment 28186

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Bones, $25. Credit: BIG W

'It can be very confronting for children when toys they love become infused with a sinister element,' she said. 'Toys that take inspiration from horror films take away the notion that they’re designed solely for children.'

Justin Khoury, CEO of Unbound Minds Psychology, agreed that the increasing prevalence of anxiety among children is a cause for concern.

He said: 'Unexpectedly encountering the concepts of being burned alive or succumbing to flesh rot by reading a mock autopsy report in the toy section of a discount department store is not conducive to the healthy emotional development of a young child.'

Key Takeaways

• A new children's toy sold at BIG W resembling a corpse in a body bag, part of the ‘Deddy Bears range, has drawn criticism from some parents who find them 'confronting' and inappropriate for children.
• The playthings, which include an autopsy report detailing their causes of death, have incited polarising reactions on social media, balancing between accusations of undue sensitivity and valid child protection concerns.
• Following the criticism, BIG W explained the toys were part of their early Halloween range and intended for an older audience, predicting a limited stock lifespan due to impending sales.
• Child psychologists warn against exposing young children to toys incorporating dark themes, arguing that it may overshadow the nurturing purposes of play and could prematurely introduce children to menacing ideas that outpace their cognitive and emotional development capabilities.

What about you, members? Do you think these toys are appropriate or inappropriate for children? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

I think they're inappropriate.
The people making them are sicko's.

 

[Veggiepatch]

This toy would be ideal for the child considering a career in forensics.

Seriously, a "normal" child is exposed to a plethora of dubious media currently. Take a look at the movies aimed at children. Gratuitous violence abounds, even extending to Disney and Pixar, etc. The evening news is a neon light flashing images of war, shootings and stabbings.

And now people are complaining about what just may be an educational tool.

 

[Charlottegriff02]

A surprising find in the aisles of BIG W sparked an intense debate among shoppers and parents over what's appropriate for kids.

The retailer's 'Deddy Bears' range has eight zombie-like characters wrapped in a black body bag, with an accompanying autopsy report detailing their bizarre cause of death.

For example, one of the characters apparently dies from a 'wooden stake through the heart'.

Many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the toys, with one shopper saying she 'felt disturbed' while browsing for toddler and preschool toys. 'Includes body bag and autopsy report. But don’t worry, they’re also super soft,' she noted.

View attachment 28185

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Vambear and Bundle, $25. Credit: BIG W

Other outraged shoppers called the toys 'the stuff nightmares are made of' and argued they are in 'bad taste' and entirely 'unnecessary for children'.

On the other hand, some consumers believed that these toys, although unconventional, would be received positively by children.

A spokesperson for BIG W said the Deddy Bears are intended for an 'older audience' and will be available for a limited time only.

View attachment 28184

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Spekter, $25. Credit: BIG W

However, many people have come to the defence of the unique playthings, with one parent saying: 'This is what’s wrong with the world. Too many upset so easily and think everything is inappropriate.'

Another BIG W shopper added: 'This generation is in huge trouble with all these precious parents. World’s gone soft.'

While it might sound like an interesting novelty idea for some, several experts have warned of the dangers behind the toys.

Child psychologist Deidre Brandner explained that such toys have the potential to cross the line, resulting in young children encountering ideas and concepts that surpass their cognitive and emotional development.

View attachment 28186

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Bones, $25. Credit: BIG W

'It can be very confronting for children when toys they love become infused with a sinister element,' she said. 'Toys that take inspiration from horror films take away the notion that they’re designed solely for children.'

Justin Khoury, CEO of Unbound Minds Psychology, agreed that the increasing prevalence of anxiety among children is a cause for concern.

He said: 'Unexpectedly encountering the concepts of being burned alive or succumbing to flesh rot by reading a mock autopsy report in the toy section of a discount department store is not conducive to the healthy emotional development of a young child.'

Key Takeaways

• A new children's toy sold at BIG W resembling a corpse in a body bag, part of the ‘Deddy Bears range, has drawn criticism from some parents who find them 'confronting' and inappropriate for children.
• The playthings, which include an autopsy report detailing their causes of death, have incited polarising reactions on social media, balancing between accusations of undue sensitivity and valid child protection concerns.
• Following the criticism, BIG W explained the toys were part of their early Halloween range and intended for an older audience, predicting a limited stock lifespan due to impending sales.
• Child psychologists warn against exposing young children to toys incorporating dark themes, arguing that it may overshadow the nurturing purposes of play and could prematurely introduce children to menacing ideas that outpace their cognitive and emotional development capabilities.

What about you, members? Do you think these toys are appropriate or inappropriate for children? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Col@45]

A surprising find in the aisles of BIG W sparked an intense debate among shoppers and parents over what's appropriate for kids.

The retailer's 'Deddy Bears' range has eight zombie-like characters wrapped in a black body bag, with an accompanying autopsy report detailing their bizarre cause of death.

For example, one of the characters apparently dies from a 'wooden stake through the heart'.

Many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the toys, with one shopper saying she 'felt disturbed' while browsing for toddler and preschool toys. 'Includes body bag and autopsy report. But don’t worry, they’re also super soft,' she noted.

View attachment 28185

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Vambear and Bundle, $25. Credit: BIG W

Other outraged shoppers called the toys 'the stuff nightmares are made of' and argued they are in 'bad taste' and entirely 'unnecessary for children'.

On the other hand, some consumers believed that these toys, although unconventional, would be received positively by children.

A spokesperson for BIG W said the Deddy Bears are intended for an 'older audience' and will be available for a limited time only.

View attachment 28184

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Spekter, $25. Credit: BIG W

However, many people have come to the defence of the unique playthings, with one parent saying: 'This is what’s wrong with the world. Too many upset so easily and think everything is inappropriate.'

Another BIG W shopper added: 'This generation is in huge trouble with all these precious parents. World’s gone soft.'

While it might sound like an interesting novelty idea for some, several experts have warned of the dangers behind the toys.

Child psychologist Deidre Brandner explained that such toys have the potential to cross the line, resulting in young children encountering ideas and concepts that surpass their cognitive and emotional development.

View attachment 28186

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Bones, $25. Credit: BIG W

'It can be very confronting for children when toys they love become infused with a sinister element,' she said. 'Toys that take inspiration from horror films take away the notion that they’re designed solely for children.'

Justin Khoury, CEO of Unbound Minds Psychology, agreed that the increasing prevalence of anxiety among children is a cause for concern.

He said: 'Unexpectedly encountering the concepts of being burned alive or succumbing to flesh rot by reading a mock autopsy report in the toy section of a discount department store is not conducive to the healthy emotional development of a young child.'

Key Takeaways

• A new children's toy sold at BIG W resembling a corpse in a body bag, part of the ‘Deddy Bears range, has drawn criticism from some parents who find them 'confronting' and inappropriate for children.
• The playthings, which include an autopsy report detailing their causes of death, have incited polarising reactions on social media, balancing between accusations of undue sensitivity and valid child protection concerns.
• Following the criticism, BIG W explained the toys were part of their early Halloween range and intended for an older audience, predicting a limited stock lifespan due to impending sales.
• Child psychologists warn against exposing young children to toys incorporating dark themes, arguing that it may overshadow the nurturing purposes of play and could prematurely introduce children to menacing ideas that outpace their cognitive and emotional development capabilities.

What about you, members? Do you think these toys are appropriate or inappropriate for children? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Why does everything these days need to be about death and violence ??
No wonder there's so many depressed people on this earth. Most movies are violent which doesn't help with the violence we live with every day.

 

[Charlottegriff02]

For goodness sake take them off the shelves. Young children may think they can stick anything in someone’s stomach. What a stupid idea for young children.

 

[Gazman]

A surprising find in the aisles of BIG W sparked an intense debate among shoppers and parents over what's appropriate for kids.

The retailer's 'Deddy Bears' range has eight zombie-like characters wrapped in a black body bag, with an accompanying autopsy report detailing their bizarre cause of death.

For example, one of the characters apparently dies from a 'wooden stake through the heart'.

Many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the toys, with one shopper saying she 'felt disturbed' while browsing for toddler and preschool toys. 'Includes body bag and autopsy report. But don’t worry, they’re also super soft,' she noted.

View attachment 28185

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Vambear and Bundle, $25. Credit: BIG W

Other outraged shoppers called the toys 'the stuff nightmares are made of' and argued they are in 'bad taste' and entirely 'unnecessary for children'.

On the other hand, some consumers believed that these toys, although unconventional, would be received positively by children.

A spokesperson for BIG W said the Deddy Bears are intended for an 'older audience' and will be available for a limited time only.

View attachment 28184

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Spekter, $25. Credit: BIG W

However, many people have come to the defence of the unique playthings, with one parent saying: 'This is what’s wrong with the world. Too many upset so easily and think everything is inappropriate.'

Another BIG W shopper added: 'This generation is in huge trouble with all these precious parents. World’s gone soft.'

While it might sound like an interesting novelty idea for some, several experts have warned of the dangers behind the toys.

Child psychologist Deidre Brandner explained that such toys have the potential to cross the line, resulting in young children encountering ideas and concepts that surpass their cognitive and emotional development.

View attachment 28186

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Bones, $25. Credit: BIG W

'It can be very confronting for children when toys they love become infused with a sinister element,' she said. 'Toys that take inspiration from horror films take away the notion that they’re designed solely for children.'

Justin Khoury, CEO of Unbound Minds Psychology, agreed that the increasing prevalence of anxiety among children is a cause for concern.

He said: 'Unexpectedly encountering the concepts of being burned alive or succumbing to flesh rot by reading a mock autopsy report in the toy section of a discount department store is not conducive to the healthy emotional development of a young child.'

Key Takeaways

• A new children's toy sold at BIG W resembling a corpse in a body bag, part of the ‘Deddy Bears range, has drawn criticism from some parents who find them 'confronting' and inappropriate for children.
• The playthings, which include an autopsy report detailing their causes of death, have incited polarising reactions on social media, balancing between accusations of undue sensitivity and valid child protection concerns.
• Following the criticism, BIG W explained the toys were part of their early Halloween range and intended for an older audience, predicting a limited stock lifespan due to impending sales.
• Child psychologists warn against exposing young children to toys incorporating dark themes, arguing that it may overshadow the nurturing purposes of play and could prematurely introduce children to menacing ideas that outpace their cognitive and emotional development capabilities.

What about you, members? Do you think these toys are appropriate or inappropriate for children? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Gazman]

Give me the good old days with pop guns and all those nasty types of things we had. No wonder our world is on the decline, what utter rubbish they are dishing up today.

 

[Monks]

Welcome to the nanny world we now live in what next are we going to ban people wake up and ask your grandparents what they had to play with and weather they played inside all the time or out doors hell let kids be kids and learn about things as they grow up, you don't see movies like dirty harry and a lot more like it ask you grandparents about it
so the kid has a teddy to play with no he's not going to grow up and be a some one who goes around slicing and dicing others it is how they are taught all my kids grow up in a normal way of life saw some movies, played out side like most kids then and no they did not grow up to be mass murders or anything like that and my grandkids are just as normal as what my self and my kids are grow up people a lot of you have missed out on a lot of life in general so very sad bet this gets a lot of dislikes but so be it face reality and grow up its only a toy

 

[Jerry5]

A surprising find in the aisles of BIG W sparked an intense debate among shoppers and parents over what's appropriate for kids.

The retailer's 'Deddy Bears' range has eight zombie-like characters wrapped in a black body bag, with an accompanying autopsy report detailing their bizarre cause of death.

For example, one of the characters apparently dies from a 'wooden stake through the heart'.

Many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the toys, with one shopper saying she 'felt disturbed' while browsing for toddler and preschool toys. 'Includes body bag and autopsy report. But don’t worry, they’re also super soft,' she noted.

View attachment 28185

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Vambear and Bundle, $25. Credit: BIG W

Other outraged shoppers called the toys 'the stuff nightmares are made of' and argued they are in 'bad taste' and entirely 'unnecessary for children'.

On the other hand, some consumers believed that these toys, although unconventional, would be received positively by children.

A spokesperson for BIG W said the Deddy Bears are intended for an 'older audience' and will be available for a limited time only.

View attachment 28184

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Spekter, $25. Credit: BIG W

However, many people have come to the defence of the unique playthings, with one parent saying: 'This is what’s wrong with the world. Too many upset so easily and think everything is inappropriate.'

Another BIG W shopper added: 'This generation is in huge trouble with all these precious parents. World’s gone soft.'

While it might sound like an interesting novelty idea for some, several experts have warned of the dangers behind the toys.

Child psychologist Deidre Brandner explained that such toys have the potential to cross the line, resulting in young children encountering ideas and concepts that surpass their cognitive and emotional development.

View attachment 28186

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Bones, $25. Credit: BIG W

'It can be very confronting for children when toys they love become infused with a sinister element,' she said. 'Toys that take inspiration from horror films take away the notion that they’re designed solely for children.'

Justin Khoury, CEO of Unbound Minds Psychology, agreed that the increasing prevalence of anxiety among children is a cause for concern.

He said: 'Unexpectedly encountering the concepts of being burned alive or succumbing to flesh rot by reading a mock autopsy report in the toy section of a discount department store is not conducive to the healthy emotional development of a young child.'

Key Takeaways

• A new children's toy sold at BIG W resembling a corpse in a body bag, part of the ‘Deddy Bears range, has drawn criticism from some parents who find them 'confronting' and inappropriate for children.
• The playthings, which include an autopsy report detailing their causes of death, have incited polarising reactions on social media, balancing between accusations of undue sensitivity and valid child protection concerns.
• Following the criticism, BIG W explained the toys were part of their early Halloween range and intended for an older audience, predicting a limited stock lifespan due to impending sales.
• Child psychologists warn against exposing young children to toys incorporating dark themes, arguing that it may overshadow the nurturing purposes of play and could prematurely introduce children to menacing ideas that outpace their cognitive and emotional development capabilities.

What about you, members? Do you think these toys are appropriate or inappropriate for children? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Obviously not designed for the very young but I suggest the usual solution

A surprising find in the aisles of BIG W sparked an intense debate among shoppers and parents over what's appropriate for kids.

The retailer's 'Deddy Bears' range has eight zombie-like characters wrapped in a black body bag, with an accompanying autopsy report detailing their bizarre cause of death.

For example, one of the characters apparently dies from a 'wooden stake through the heart'.

Many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the toys, with one shopper saying she 'felt disturbed' while browsing for toddler and preschool toys. 'Includes body bag and autopsy report. But don’t worry, they’re also super soft,' she noted.

View attachment 28185

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Vambear and Bundle, $25. Credit: BIG W

Other outraged shoppers called the toys 'the stuff nightmares are made of' and argued they are in 'bad taste' and entirely 'unnecessary for children'.

On the other hand, some consumers believed that these toys, although unconventional, would be received positively by children.

A spokesperson for BIG W said the Deddy Bears are intended for an 'older audience' and will be available for a limited time only.

View attachment 28184

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Spekter, $25. Credit: BIG W

However, many people have come to the defence of the unique playthings, with one parent saying: 'This is what’s wrong with the world. Too many upset so easily and think everything is inappropriate.'

Another BIG W shopper added: 'This generation is in huge trouble with all these precious parents. World’s gone soft.'

While it might sound like an interesting novelty idea for some, several experts have warned of the dangers behind the toys.

Child psychologist Deidre Brandner explained that such toys have the potential to cross the line, resulting in young children encountering ideas and concepts that surpass their cognitive and emotional development.

View attachment 28186

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Bones, $25. Credit: BIG W

'It can be very confronting for children when toys they love become infused with a sinister element,' she said. 'Toys that take inspiration from horror films take away the notion that they’re designed solely for children.'

Justin Khoury, CEO of Unbound Minds Psychology, agreed that the increasing prevalence of anxiety among children is a cause for concern.

He said: 'Unexpectedly encountering the concepts of being burned alive or succumbing to flesh rot by reading a mock autopsy report in the toy section of a discount department store is not conducive to the healthy emotional development of a young child.'

Key Takeaways

• A new children's toy sold at BIG W resembling a corpse in a body bag, part of the ‘Deddy Bears range, has drawn criticism from some parents who find them 'confronting' and inappropriate for children.
• The playthings, which include an autopsy report detailing their causes of death, have incited polarising reactions on social media, balancing between accusations of undue sensitivity and valid child protection concerns.
• Following the criticism, BIG W explained the toys were part of their early Halloween range and intended for an older audience, predicting a limited stock lifespan due to impending sales.
• Child psychologists warn against exposing young children to toys incorporating dark themes, arguing that it may overshadow the nurturing purposes of play and could prematurely introduce children to menacing ideas that outpace their cognitive and emotional development capabilities.

What about you, members? Do you think these toys are appropriate or inappropriate for children? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Maybe not the best toy for toddlers but instead of parents whining, just refuse to buy. In other words take responsibility for your own children instead of blaming everyone for your kid being a s*#t!

 

[Annna]

I think they're inappropriate.
The people making them are sicko's.

See above

 

[Veggiepatch]

@

Welcome to the nanny world we now live in what next are we going to ban people wake up and ask your grandparents what they had to play with and weather they played inside all the time or out doors hell let kids be kids and learn about things as they grow up, you don't see movies like dirty harry and a lot more like it ask you grandparents about it
so the kid has a teddy to play with no he's not going to grow up and be a some one who goes around slicing and dicing others it is how they are taught all my kids grow up in a normal way of life saw some movies, played out side like most kids then and no they did not grow up to be mass murders or anything like that and my grandkids are just as normal as what my self and my kids are grow up people a lot of you have missed out on a lot of life in general so very sad bet this gets a lot of dislikes but so be it face reality and grow up its only a toy

@Monks all is good to express your thoughts, ideas and opinions in a civilised forum such as SDC.

I got flamed in a thread regarding airline seating but it didn't worry me.

Keep up the good fight buddy!

 

[Pamsterdam]

I don't think anyone read the bit about it being on the shelves early for 'adults' for Halloween.
Someone did say kids are exposed to everything these days and that is an understatement - I'm positive there are people out there who will buy them for their children.

 

[glennkidd]

This is benign compared to the outrageous propaganda being forced on our children in schools ..
They're all gonna die from climate change.
Boys can be girls and girls can be boys and both of them cam be cats or dogs or whatever, when ever they want.
We are all trespassers in the country we are born in.
If you are white, then you are an evil oppressor
it goes on and on and on..
And Justin Khoury, CEO of Minds Psychology says ..
the increasing prevalence of anxiety among children is a cause for concern.
'Unexpectedly encountering the concepts of being burned alive or succumbing to flesh rot by reading a mock autopsy report in the toy section of a discount department store is not conducive to the healthy emotional development of a young child.'
I think he should be looking at the REAL issues.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I don't think anyone read the bit about it being on the shelves early for 'adults' for Halloween.
Someone did say kids are exposed to everything these days and that is an understatement - I'm positive there are people out there who will buy them for their children.

I'm definitely buying them for my kids!

Oh wait.... they're aged from 25 to 34.

 

[Monks]

I'm definitely buying them for my kids!

Oh wait.... they're aged from 25 to 34.

Hi Veggiepatch you and me both regardless of there ages all mine are well over 30 plus these days but I bet they get a good laugh from them

 

[Mikeyboy2012]

A surprising find in the aisles of BIG W sparked an intense debate among shoppers and parents over what's appropriate for kids.

The retailer's 'Deddy Bears' range has eight zombie-like characters wrapped in a black body bag, with an accompanying autopsy report detailing their bizarre cause of death.

For example, one of the characters apparently dies from a 'wooden stake through the heart'.

Many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the toys, with one shopper saying she 'felt disturbed' while browsing for toddler and preschool toys. 'Includes body bag and autopsy report. But don’t worry, they’re also super soft,' she noted.

View attachment 28185

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Vambear and Bundle, $25. Credit: BIG W

Other outraged shoppers called the toys 'the stuff nightmares are made of' and argued they are in 'bad taste' and entirely 'unnecessary for children'.

On the other hand, some consumers believed that these toys, although unconventional, would be received positively by children.

A spokesperson for BIG W said the Deddy Bears are intended for an 'older audience' and will be available for a limited time only.

View attachment 28184

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Spekter, $25. Credit: BIG W

However, many people have come to the defence of the unique playthings, with one parent saying: 'This is what’s wrong with the world. Too many upset so easily and think everything is inappropriate.'

Another BIG W shopper added: 'This generation is in huge trouble with all these precious parents. World’s gone soft.'

While it might sound like an interesting novelty idea for some, several experts have warned of the dangers behind the toys.

Child psychologist Deidre Brandner explained that such toys have the potential to cross the line, resulting in young children encountering ideas and concepts that surpass their cognitive and emotional development.

View attachment 28186

Deddy Bears Body Bag Collection Plush - Bones, $25. Credit: BIG W

'It can be very confronting for children when toys they love become infused with a sinister element,' she said. 'Toys that take inspiration from horror films take away the notion that they’re designed solely for children.'

Justin Khoury, CEO of Unbound Minds Psychology, agreed that the increasing prevalence of anxiety among children is a cause for concern.

He said: 'Unexpectedly encountering the concepts of being burned alive or succumbing to flesh rot by reading a mock autopsy report in the toy section of a discount department store is not conducive to the healthy emotional development of a young child.'

Key Takeaways

• A new children's toy sold at BIG W resembling a corpse in a body bag, part of the ‘Deddy Bears range, has drawn criticism from some parents who find them 'confronting' and inappropriate for children.
• The playthings, which include an autopsy report detailing their causes of death, have incited polarising reactions on social media, balancing between accusations of undue sensitivity and valid child protection concerns.
• Following the criticism, BIG W explained the toys were part of their early Halloween range and intended for an older audience, predicting a limited stock lifespan due to impending sales.
• Child psychologists warn against exposing young children to toys incorporating dark themes, arguing that it may overshadow the nurturing purposes of play and could prematurely introduce children to menacing ideas that outpace their cognitive and emotional development capabilities.

What about you, members? Do you think these toys are appropriate or inappropriate for children? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Another example of taking the innocence away from our children.