Sure, the label on a Transformers action figure may say "ages 6 and up," but it turns out parents aren't letting that information influence their buying habits for their children.

A recent survey commissioned by the Toy Industry Association found that less than a third of parents said age recommendations were a major factor when determining what toys to get for their children. For the association, the findings are worrying.

"Though well-meaning, giving a child a toy or game that does not match his or her age is not appropriate," TIA CEO Steve Pasierb said. "Age grading has nothing to do with how smart a child is—it's an important safety guidance that's based on the developmental skills and abilities of children at a given age and the specific features of a toy."

TIA hired Harris Poll to survey 562 parents with children under the age of 18. Only 26 percent of respondents "strongly believe" parents should keep toys made for older kids out of the hands of children younger than 3. At the same time, 18 percent said parents should demonstrate the right way of playing with a toy before handing it over to their kids.

"We encourage families to enlist the help of older children in keeping their toys out of the hands of younger siblings, and to get down on the floor and demonstrate how kids can use their new playthings safely," Pasierb said. http://prn.to/1M5E9Ae

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