The wooden influencer kit, which is marketed as including several ‘essential’ components for children to take part in ‘career role-play’, has been criticised by campaigners
Argos has been blasted for offering an “essential” influencer kit for toddlers, with a charity chief warning it risks teaching tots “being watched matters more than being curious”.
Daisy Greenwell, the co-founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, has blasted the product sold by the Brit retailer, which is advertised as a “beautifully crafted wooden live streaming set” after the listing was spotted online. The set, made by Argos in-house brand Chad Valley, costs £15 and encourages “career role-play” for children as young as two, who can use it to act out filming videos and posing for selfies.
The online description reads: “This beautifully crafted wooden live streaming set includes six essential components – a sturdy tripod stand, adjustable aperture lens, miniature camera, smartphone model, tablet, and microphone.”
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“All can be neatly stored in a convenient carrying pouch.” Ms Greenwell said: “Is anyone genuinely thinking this is what a two-year-old needs? We have to ask what we’re teaching our children to aspire to.
“When we normalise the language and props of influencing in toddlerhood, we send the message that being watched matters more than being curious.
“Childhood should be a time to discover who you are – not to start polishing your personal brand.” Parents have also been left incensed by the product, agreeing that toys shouldn’t be “teaching our toddlers to make a career out of taking selfies”.
Lucy Simpson, 37, a mum-of-two from Poole in Dorset, said: “We shouldn’t be teaching our toddlers to make a career out of taking selfies, especially with the use of a ring light.
“Influencers use these to hide blemishes and make their lives appear more polished and perfect. It is completely irresponsible.”
