It was recently revealed that there is going to be a new baby doll on the market that may encourage anorexia in children. The Nenuco Won't Eat doll, also known as the Anorexia Doll, refuses to eat certain foods. Parents and mental health groups are calling for a recall of the toy. Is this just an example of realistic play or could the doll cause a major mental health crisis in children?
It was recently revealed that the Spanish toy company, Famosa, has made a baby doll that refuses to eat. A magnet in the spoon will cause the doll to turn its head away from certain foods. This is a major concern for critics who claim it could cause anorexia in children who want to mimic the doll.
Chris Learman, policy manager of the group YoungMinds, recently spoke to the Daily Mail about the the issues with the doll:
“We urge the manufacturers to think more responsibly and be aware of the fact that children are incredibly receptive, and that negative attitudes to food can be easily formed and take many years to break,” “Our campaign YoungMinds Vs revealed earlier this week that four out of 10 children and young people have skipped meals to stay thin.”
However, the company believes that the doll will encourage children to eat healthy. Famosa’s UK marketing director, Nikki Jeffery, spoke to Mailonline about the doll:
“The doll is designed to re-enact the play between a parent and a child. The idea is that the child understands that the doll is being mischievous and that the child encourages the doll to eat the food, just as a parent does with their child...We believe the doll will teach children the value of eating healthily as it is eating fruit and vegetables...I am absolutely not concerned about it promoting eating disorders. Famosa know the doll industry and this has sold all over Europe..We are 100 per cent about real life experiences and it's just about having a bit of fun and playing.”
So what do you think? Will the doll encourage children to become anorexic or is it simply an example of more realistic play? Would you let your child have the doll? Let us know in the comments below.
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