US: iPotty voted Worst Toy of the Year

Members of Campaign for a Commericial-Free Childhood have voted the iPottyas winner of this year’s TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young children) Award for the Worst Toy of the Year.

The 2-in-1 iPotty with Activity Seat for iPad by CTA Digital took the prize as it attempts to ‘create a need where none exists’.

“Throughout history, kids have mastered toilet training without touch screens,” said CCFC’s Director, Dr. Susan Linn.

“The iPotty is a perfect example of marketers trying to create a need where none exists. In fact, the last thing children need is a screen for every single occasion.”

Michelle Salcedo of Greenville, SC added: “Toilet learning should be a time of positive interaction between child and caregiver. Also, children should be aware of the cues in their bodies as they learn.

"This toy takes this social/emotional focus out of the process and substitutes the hypnotism of a screen.”

Alex Reynard of Royal Oak, MI, said: “It not only reinforces unhealthy overuse of digital media, it’s aimed at toddlers. We should not be giving them the message that you shouldn’t even take your eyes off a screen long enough to pee.”