Toy sellers’ keep close watch on under 16s social media ban

UK toy sales have risen for the first time in five years, but sellers are braced for the potential impact of any social media ban for under-16s.

The value of toy sales rose by 6% last year, compared with the previous year, according to research company Circana, bringing some much-needed cheer for a sector that has struggled since the pandemic.

The rebound has been driven by the so-called kidult market – which relates to players over the age of 12, some of whom are influenced by trends on social media.

But experts gathered at the annual Toy Fair in London on Tuesday…