OPSS launches new small hazards, big harm campaign
Parents urged to be aware of everyday items that pose serious risks when swallowed by young children.
Swallowing small magnets can hurt or kill your child.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has launched a new campaign hashtag and updated resources to raise awareness among parents and carers about the hazards to children associated with items such as button batteries, magnets, imitation food, small toys, and other small objects, such as drawing pins.
The Small Hazards, Big Harm resources have been updated to sit alongside the button battery top tips poster launched in May, which was developed through collaboration with accident prevention charities, clinicians, manufacturers, online marketplaces, and trade associations.
The campaign will include a new video featuring Samantha McCarthy, whose two-year-old daughter had to have lifesaving surgery after swallowing 14 tiny magnetic balls in 2021.
The assets also include warnings about magnetic mouth jewellery, where there have been instances of this being ingested by teenagers.
Button batteries can cause chemical burns if swallowed, whilst magnets can attract each other inside the intestines or bowel, squeeze the tissue, and cut off blood supply. OPSS is keen for groups, businesses, and individuals to support and share the updated materials on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram by using the hashtag #smallhazardsbigharm