Spy Cam Barbie: Boycott or Buy?

   By drodriguez  Nov 07, 2010
63

Over the years we have seen toys become more and more high tech in an effort to keep up with the growing trends our kids find appealing..  Now it’s Barbies turn.  Mattel recently introduced us to “Video Girl” Barbie which is a Barbie doll with a small spy camera hidden inside her necklace.  The camera allows kids to take their own videos that can be up to 30 minutes in length.  But the new high tech Barbie has many parents outraged and demanding the “toy” be taken off the market.

A recent report from the Today show discusses the boycott that was instigated by Sally Anne-McCormack, an Australian psychologist, over the spy cam doll.  McCormack believes this product will make it all too easy for kids to film inappropriate behavior and then upload it on the internet.  She also believes adults can use the the doll to exploit children.  McCormack says, “Boycott this product and refuse to shop in any store that justifies selling this potentially pornographic tool.”

The hidden camera doll seems especially inappropriate to a lot of parents probably because kids who play with Barbies are typically very young, many under the age of six.  Because after all, what would a 6-year-old need a hidden camera in their room for?  Others think the Barbie “Video Girl” doll is nothing new and will not allow kids to do anything they aren’t already doing on their cell phones that are equipped with cameras.  

What do you think of the Barbie “Video Girl” hidden camera doll?

Would you purchase this doll for your child if they asked for it or do you think it is better off being boycotted?

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ArsiJohn by ArsiJohn | Washington, WA
Jun 03, 2023

AI technology continues to advance rapidly. What recent breakthroughs in AI have caught your attention, and how do you foresee their impact on various industries and our daily lives?

Shainspirations by Shainspirations | Woodbridge, VA
Dec 16, 2010

I personally would not allow my young female child to have such a toy...I too feel that this is a pedophiles dream....an easy way to lure a young mind. With technology being the way it is today...children have webcams at their disposals via their computers, their phones etc. So if they really wanted access they have it. Howevwer, I think its taking it a bit too far when they are being placed in childrens toys...half of the children won't even know how to operate them and the teens would probably misuse the doll spy camera. Why not just keep it and Barbie simple...Every thing does not have to be technological. Wholesome games and toys are still fun for children...we are the ones complicating their lives with all this technology.

Jennoh by Jennoh | ROCHESTER, MN
Dec 15, 2010

This barbie seems like the perfect "present" a child molester could give out to groom their next victim. If only it was just as simple as, would you as a parent give this toy to your child..

LilyLex by LilyLex | New York, NY
Dec 08, 2010

BOYCOTT! can you say invasion of privacy

kjc1969 by kjc1969 | Falmouth, KY
Dec 06, 2010

I am thinking that everyone that wrote a comment is obviously right on both sides. It depends on the way you look at the product. It is ultimately the parents responsibility to protect their child, therefore to each his own. I couldn't say one way or the other if I'd buy it because my children are grown up. If I considered buying it for my grandaughter, I would consult the mother.

MyEmptyCanvas by MyEmptyCanvas | KOSCIUSKO, MS
Dec 05, 2010

If you don't want your kid to have this toy or film things simply don't buy it & who said the child or parent HAS to upload the video to the internet. I'm pretty sure no child under 9 years old is going to be buying this doll themselves, it is the parents that will IF they want their child to have it. There are PLENTY of other devices out there for perverts to use with much better clarity than this doll may have, not to say some sicko wouldn't try it (or upgrade it themselves by jacking wires, etc) they have and will with other equipment if they truly want to. Heck I want to see if for myself in "real life". It's probably overpriced. I think it'd be a fun little toy for a kid to see themselves or capturing the "life of dolls" as they play with their other ones that aren't equipped with a 30 min. camera. & to those thinking I may be a Barbie fan - nope, never was.

rachelmk by rachelmk | CROWN POINT, IN
Nov 28, 2010

Ugh! Are you kidding me?! This barbie is RIDICULOUS and CREEPY....Boycott it! Plus, why are we even trying to make barbie dolls high-tech?.....what happened to the simple, good toys that allow kids to just use their imagination WITHOUT all the technology??

lil_red25 by lil_red25 | Henderson, KY
Nov 27, 2010

She is kinda ugly though. Looks like she smoked to manyh ciggarettes or something........

lil_red25 by lil_red25 | Henderson, KY
Nov 27, 2010

Please don't take it out on Barbie. There are tons of cameras, cell phones and other recording devices that are geared to children. It's not like this is a suprise nor should it be a problem. I think it gives girls a chance to learn and be creative. She may grow up to be a producer or photographer.

SweetRamblings7 by SweetRamblings7 | PINE BLUFF, AR
Nov 25, 2010

I think it could be used as a nanny cam type of product. A product to watch babysitters.

yamagirl by yamagirl | POWDER SPGS, GA
Nov 21, 2010

I never knew they had those. I wouldn't say boycott it, but I dont know if i would buy it. Is it supose to be like a hidden camera say for babysitting and things like that?

HazelCCobb by HazelCCobb | NEW YORK, NY
Nov 20, 2010

There is no need to have a camera on a barbie doll. I loved playing with my barbie. What I loved most is playing pretend and using my imagination...a camera won't enhance the purpose or experience of barbie...so I vote no camera.

elliemay1229 by elliemay1229 | LACOMBE, LA
Nov 15, 2010

Boycott! Sure kids can video with their cell phones, but how many girls under 6 have cell phones. Besides, it is just too easy to have this recording while a kid is dressing or running around the house naked...is my 4 year old the only one who does that? On top of all that a plain jane Barbie is about $10, how much does one with a hidden camera cost?

basilandcatnip by basilandcatnip | GARLAND, TX
Nov 15, 2010

Wow! unbelieveable.

Gin257 by Gin257 | LONG BEACH, NY
Nov 15, 2010

I personally would not buy his doll. However, kids often have access to cell phones with cameras and actualy video recorders. So I don't see a huge difference. And the camera appears to be obvious, not hidden. I see no harm in letting a parent decide if this is something they would want their kid to have.