Same issue of the FT (it was a rich one), apparently Lego posted its biggest annual loss this week. Video games? Apparently only a bit
"the most serious threat is that children are losing interest in traditional toys at a younger age and that other products in the consumer-electronic sector - such as mobile phones and MP3 music players - are replacing toys to an increasing extent" said Lego.
I wonder. I'm certainly fearful about the distraction effect of communications and media on children, but phones and MP3 players, really? Most children I've seen do not really take a serious listening interest in music until about 12. On the other hand, phones do exercise a massive draw on the imagination of children. I threw a broken one away recently (a cheap fixed line handset) and my three year old begged me to retrieve it from the bin, because she wanted to play with it. Imitation of adults is a strong draw. It's tempting to agree with Lego (nice creative Danish company with heart clearly in the right place) but I'd like to see better evidence.
Comments