Most of us are very particular about what we purchase when it comes to educational DVDs for our children. Spongebob's out and Baby Einstein's in...right?
In the recent years, publicists have questioned whether Disney's Baby Einstein DVDs and toys are actually "educational." When you hear of the Baby Einstein brand, the first thing you think of is a line of educational toys encouraging learning at an early age. But unfortunately, Disney's Baby Einstein brand is coming under attack with recent accusations.
Susan Linn, director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, complained in 2006 to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that Disney was promoting the Baby Einstein brands as educational and Linn felt that this was not, in fact, true. Recently, she used her public spotlight to threaten a class-action lawsuit against Disney for false advertising and deceptive marketing.
Finally, the General Manager of The Baby Einstein Company, Susan McLain, stepped forward with a compelling statement protecting the future of Disney's company. Her statement, in full, can be found here on the Baby Einstein website.
"We strongly believe that, unlike Linn, our consumers find value in our product, and rather than continue to fight with her, we decided it to leave it up to those consumers. That is why we extended a refund policy that was already in place. Although she would like to claim otherwise, there is nothing extraordinary about a company’s willingness to stand behind its product. To the contrary, it is the strongest possible show of confidence in it." -Susan McLain
Baby Einstein is now offering an exchange or refund for anyone that is not satisfied with the DVDs they purchased. There is a specific timeframe in which the DVDs must have been purchased, and you can find specific information on how to get your refund at the Baby Einstein website.
Even though numerous articles have come out in the past regarding the validity of Baby Einstein's claims, Disney still strongly believes that it's up to the parents to make the decision to let their children watch their DVDs or not.
Comments
I'm shocked by Disney's refund offer. My son has been watching the Baby Einstein videos since birth. I found that he is way ahead in what he knows. He knows his abc's, counts to 20, appreciates the change in seasons, all of his shapes and colors and he is just turned 3 years old. He was delayed in talking however, so I'm not sure if the videos are to blame. But, when he started talking, it was in complete sentences. My 1 year old didn't watch as much and he is already talking, so perhaps their is validity to the claims. I still think that it is up to parents to limit TV or movie time, not the shinks. I hope that Disney keeps producing Little Einstein DVDs because they do have some educational value.
My daughter grew up on baby einstein. She started talking by the time she turned 1! She was potty trained by two! She went to a daycare/headstart program when she turned two. Her teachers and counselors in ther school were amazed that such a small person already knew her ABC's, numbers, shapes and colors! I hope Disney can keep the videos coming!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!