The oxymoronically-named Homicide Survivors Association in New South Wales, Australia, has complained about the potential negative impact on children of a group of figures based on Naruto, claiming that they promote violence to children. The figures, which feature mechanical “stabbing and slashing” actions, are the main focus of the group’s complaint, although life-size accessories are also targeted by the organization.

The Association’s founder, Peter Rolfe, went on record with the Australian Daily Telegraph, saying

“I think there’s a link between playing with these toys and violent behaviour later.

“It doesn’t happen to everyone but it can have an effect on people with problems . . . If they play with toy weapons does it make them more comfortable with real weapons later? At some stage there’s an imprint left on them.”

A Mattel spokeswoman, meanwhile, noted that the toys meet Australian safety standards, and suggested that it’s “up to parents whether they wanted their children to own a doll based on the ninja ethos of weapons and defence”.

• Source: Anime UK News