Ministry of Health Urges Parents to Pick Safer Children Toys

Mexico’s Ministry of Health has issued recommendations encouraging families to choose safer and developmentally appropriate toys for children during the Three Kings Day gift-giving period, citing concerns related to physical safety, cognitive development, and sedentary behaviors associated with excessive screen use.

The guidance, released in early January, emphasizes the role of play in childhood development and aligns with broader public health concerns about rising physical inactivity, mental health risks, and early exposure to digital devices. Officials say toy selection can influence children’s physical activity, social interaction, and long-term health outcomes, particularly during a season marked by increased consumer spending on gifts.

“Play is a fundamental tool for social and emotional development,” says Iasmín Castañeda, Medical Supervisor, National Center for Children’s and Adolescent Health. She adds that toys should support group interaction, imagination, and the formation of values such as cooperation and peaceful coexistence, while avoiding products that promote violent or war-related dynamics.

The recommendations were issued as families prepare for Día de Reyes, one of Mexico’s most significant gift-giving holidays. Health authorities framed the guidance as both a safety measure and a preventive strategy to support healthier lifestyles at a time when sedentary habits and screen exposure are increasing among younger age groups.

Castañeda says reading product labels is essential to reduce the risk of accidents. For children aged 0 to three, she advises avoiding toys with small parts that could cause choking and products made with plastics containing toxic substances. For children between three and five years old, the ministry recommends toys such as construction blocks, modeling clay, kinetic sand, and costumes, which support motor development and imaginative play.

For children aged six to eight, suggested options include board games such as chess, science kits, puzzles, and bicycles, which help develop coordination and logical thinking. Older children, between nine and 12 years old, may benefit from craft kits, musical instruments, programmable robots, or educational video games designed to encourage critical thinking rather than passive consumption.

Health officials also advised families to limit gifts such as tablets and smartphones, warning that excessive use can contribute to sedentary behavior and disrupt sleep patterns. The recommendation reflects growing international evidence linking early and unrestricted access to personal digital devices with negative health outcomes.

Recent research published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who received smartphones at age 12 or younger were more likely to experience depression, insufficient sleep, and obesity within a year, compared with peers who did not own a device. The study analyzed data from more than 10,000 participants in the US National Institutes of Health-funded Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

“We basically asked one simple question: does the mere factor of having one’s own smartphone at this age range have anything to do with health outcomes?” says Ran Barzilay, Child Psychiatrist, Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, and lead author of the study. He says the findings suggest that device ownership alone, regardless of usage patterns, may be associated with health risks during key stages of development.

Public health authorities globally have raised similar concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that loneliness affects one in six people worldwide and has identified adolescents as one of the most vulnerable groups. The agency has warned that high screen time and negative online interactions can weaken social bonds, particularly among young people facing academic and social pressures.

Experts note that early habits related to play, movement and social interaction can shape long-term outcomes. Jonathan Haidt, Social Psychologist, New York University, has described a shift over the past decade from “game-based” to “phone-based” childhood, which he links with rising levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents. Several US states and school systems have since introduced restrictions on smartphone use during school hours, citing similar concerns.

At the same time, the rapid expansion of AI tools in education and daily life has added complexity to debates around technology and child development. While AI-powered platforms are being used to support learning and mental healthcare, researchers and clinicians warn that digital-first approaches require careful oversight, particularly for minors.

Mexico’s health authorities have not proposed regulatory changes related to toys or digital devices, but officials say parental guidance and informed purchasing decisions remain critical. The ministry’s recommendations position toy selection as part of a broader effort to promote physical activity, reduce preventable injuries, and support social development during early childhood.

As families navigate holiday spending and gift choices, health officials say the objective is not to eliminate technology or modern toys, but to encourage balance. By prioritizing toys that support movement, creativity, and interaction, authorities argue that parents can contribute to healthier routines that extend beyond the holiday season and into children’s daily lives.