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Heard on the Playground

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Heard on the Playground

Live, from New York, it's Toy Fair!

If you're wondering what was hot at Toy Fair this year we have the scoop for you. And if you haven't heard a lot of hype about "hot toys" at this year's expo, it could be that there is not a lot of "news" to report.

Last year robot dogs were all the rage, as well as scooters and electronic toys of all sorts. Robots and scooters are still around, but there are even MORE e-toys. That may be a result of more chips becoming available on the market, or just the fact that the technology exists, so let's use it!

One of the hottest toys we did spot at this year's Toy Fair is from chipmaker, Intel. It's a $99 digital video camera, complete with editing and production studio. Kids can shoot video or stills and download them to their computer where they can add animation, re-mix sound, and create their own films or commercials.

Another cool electronic toy is this year's version of Cybiko. It’s been updated with even more software so kids can wirelessly download from the Internet, as well as enjoy the built-in MP3 player. Also, look for Cybiko kiosks in malls that will target tweens and teens where they hang out.

Also new this year is a magnifying microscope that hooks up to your computer. Kids can see things "super magnified"-- and even cooler, can record changes over time for a time-lapse recording.

Dolls are still hot, but are also employing new technology. DSI's Too Cute Twins interact with each other and may not even need a child involved.

The biggest news is that retro is back! With a new generation of kids, everything old is new to them! Toymax is bringing back two former blockbusters--Popples and My Pet Monster. The millennial version has added technology as well with voice chips and lights. Remember Pound Puppies? They are back again, too!

Transformers from Hasbro (robots in disguise) are back, as well as a new line of Jurassic Park figures. Planet of the Apes may be a popular license once again. The cartoon character, The Tick, is showing up--thanks to a new film series that will air on Fox between The Simpsons and Malcolm in the Middle. Of course, the super hot license this year is Harry Potter. Mattel has a plush dragon toy that does some pretty cool stuff.

Another surprise hit could be the new board game from Hasbro based on a popular "reality" TV show from PBS! Antiques Roadshow hits shelves in June, and is already drawing rave reviews.

Generally the mood at this year's Toy Fair was more subdued than in the past. There was less fanfare, fewer attendees, and less "show". The toys, on the other hand, appear to have gone more "over-the-top" with more schtick--perhaps trying to appeal more to the trade and parents, and less to the child’s sense of play.

What’s New?

Marijuana Easier to Get than Cigarettes

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University in New York released a report this month. The national survey of 1,000 teens containing some very interesting findings and suggestions for parents to play a more significant role in their children’s decision making process.

Thirty three percent of the teens surveyed said it was easier to buy marijuana than cigarettes. This compared to twenty seven percent in 1999.

Twenty eight percent knew somebody who had used Ecstasy. Ten percent said they had been to a rave and that Ecstasy was available at 70 percent of these parties.

Drugs remain the No. 1 teen concern. In 2000, 51 percent said they would never try an illegal drug. The figure was down from 60 percent in 1999.

Twenty five percent live with "hands-on" parents who have set a household culture of rules and expectations for their teens behavior. When compared to average teens, this group is at a substantially lower risk of smoking, drinking and using illegal drugs.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Don't be afraid to communicate with your kids.

Know your child's friends; make sure the friends don't smoke, drink or use drugs. Your child's friends have a lot of influence over them, so make sure your kid chooses them wisely.

Encourage your kids to participate in after-school activities such as sports, clubs or community service. Just hanging out with friends after school or being bored can lead to smoking, drinking or doing drugs.

Make a point to eat dinner together, or set aside other family time, and use it as a communication tool.

Enforce in your children the need for them to make their own decisions--not have peers negatively influence them.

Source: National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, Columbia University, New York

CyberStats

Families with Kids Jumping Aboard the Internet Express

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation issued a report last month showing 70 percent of American households with children aged 2 to 17 have computers, and 52 percent are connected to the Internet.

This shows a dramatic increase from just five years ago when only 15 percent of households with children aged 2 to 17 had Internet access, and slightly less than half had a computer. It also says that 20 percent of children aged 8 to 16 have computers in their bedrooms and 11 percent have access to the Internet there.

Household income is a major factor in computer and Internet usage among children. Only about 22 percent of children in families with annual incomes of less than $20,000 had access to a home computer, compared with 91 percent of those in families with incomes of more than $75,000.

The report also relayed some data from another survey about the amount of time spent on line. Children ages 2 to 5 averaged 27 minutes a day at the computer, while children aged 6 to 11 spent 49 minutes a day, and those aged 12 to 17 averaged 63 minutes a day. The more technology available, the more time children spend in front of screens.

Overall, a 1999 survey used in the report found children aged 2 to 17 who had computers, video games and a television, spent on average 4 hours 48 minutes a day in front of some type of screen, compared with 3 hours 40 minutes for children who did not have computers or video games.

Kids

Hot Videos from February

According to the March 3 issue of Billboard magazine, a list of the top-selling kids videos points to the continuing emergence of the Olsen twins.

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For more information about WonderGroup please visit our website at www.wondergroupinc.com

For advertising, product development, research and more, contact Greg Livingston at theshadow@wondergroupinc.com or (513) 357-2950.

See you in March!