Mattel criticised for 'inappropriate' Bridgerton-themed Polly Pocket set: 'Who thought this was a good idea?'

Major toymaker Mattel has been criticised for its 'inappropriate' Polly Pocket set inspired by risqué Netflix drama Bridgerton.The Polly Pocket Collector Bridgerton Playset is available for pre-order at a price of £60 and features miniature dolls of Queen Charlotte, Benedict and Penelope, alongside a large house with a spinning dancefloor and horse-drawn carriage. Marketed as suitable for children aged four and above, the collection is listed as a 'swoon-worthy collaboration sure to dazzle the masses with five dolls and themed accessories'.Manufactured by Mattel and available to purchase by UK retailers Smyths Toys and The Entertainer from October 24, this 'high quality item' promises 'fans' a chance to 'reenact scenes from the show in Polly Pocket compact form'. However, disgruntled shoppers have expressed their disdain at the unique Polly Pocket set, arguing that it is 'inappropriate' for young children given the raunchy nature of the popular Bridgerton series. Based on Julia Quinn's novels which follow the romantic lives, courtships and scandals of the aristocratic Bridgerton family during the Regency era, the Netflix hit show features explicit sex scenes, partial nudity and passionate storylines. 'Surely this isn't a kids toy?' questioned one Instagram user, while another added: 'What if they want to watch it on TV?'Others, meanwhile, suggested that 'responsible parents' would not allow children interested in playing with Polly Pockets to watch the program and that Mattel had perhaps 'not thought through' the upcoming launch. Major toymaker Mattel has ben criticised for an 'inappropriate' Polly Pocket set based on Netflix's hit risqué drama Bridgerton The Polly Pocket Collector Bridgerton Playset is available for pre-order at a price of £60 and features miniature dolls of Queen Charlotte, Benedict and Penelope, alongside a large house with a spinning dancefloor and horse-drawn carriage Based on Julia Quinn's novels which follow the romantic lives, courtships and scandals of the aristocratic Bridgerton family during the Regency era, the Netflix hit series features explicit sex scenes, partial nudity and passionate storylines'Can someone please explain to me? A show not appropriate for teenagers being marketed to four year olds,' questioned one Instagram user. 'Who thought this was a good idea... Bridgerton carries an official maturity rating of TV-MA (Mature Audience) on Netflix in the United States and contains sexual content, nudity and mature themes that may not be appropriate for all teens.' 'I don't know why this was made as this show is NOT a children's show,' said one Reddit user, while one questioned: 'I love these! But I'm wondering what child watches Bridgerton?''No!!! I love Bridgerton but no way do my kids know what it is,' wrote one unhappy Instagram commenter, while another added: 'It's a no from me!' 'Is Bridgerton really a show that children should be watching?' questioned one. However, other social media users suggested that the toy may instead be marketed towards adults, rather than young children - despite being sold as a 'playset' by traditionally children's toy sellers.'This isn't for children surely it is for us,' quipped one Instagram user. 'I really want it,' added another enthusiastic social media user. Some, meanwhile, suggested that while they were not necessarily concerned by the nature of the program inspiring the toy set, they held more significant reservations about its price tag. 'Amazing... but £60!!,' commented one Instagram user in response to the toy's announcement, while one other said: '£60 for a Polly Pocket are you having a laugh'. The Daily Mail has contacted Mattel, Smyths and The Entertainer for comment.It comes after Mattel's first-ever autistic Barbie came under criticism from critics who claimed that the doll is offensive to people with neurodiversity and 'reinforces stereotypes'. Disgruntled shoppers have expressed their disdain at the unique Polly Pocket set, arguing that it is 'inappropriate' for young children given the raunchy nature of the popular Bridgerton series Manufactured by Mattel and set to be sold by UK retailers Smyths Toys and The Entertainer, the set is described a 'high quality item' that allows fans to 'reenact scenes from the show in Polly Pocket compact form' It comes after Mattel's first-ever autistic Barbie came under criticism from critics who claimed that the doll is offensive to people with neurodiversity and 'reinforces stereotypes' In January, the American toymaker said that the doll, which features a fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and a shifted eye gaze, was designed 'with guidance from the community' in a bid to 'change the narrative on neurodivergence'.The new doll, developed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), aims to represent some of the ways autistic people may experience, process, and communicate about the world around them.Along with a new face sculpt, its features include elbow and wrist articulation to enable stimming, hand flapping, and other hand gestures that some members of the autistic community may use to 'process sensory information or express excitement'.Despite Mattel's efforts, onlookers have taken to social media to express their upset with the doll, claiming it pushes 'stereotypical traits' associated with autism.One wrote: 'My niece has been diagnosed with autism. How thrilled she'll be when she finds out she's supposed to have "flappy hands".A second said: 'Heard this on radio this morning along with two autistic teens. They were dumbfounded. Youngest annoyed that only stereotypical traits were used. My children have already had enough of being told they can't be ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) as they don't fit the general stereotype. This won't help.''Flappy hands? I'm sure autistic girls are going to be thrilled to know Barbie thinks this is who they all are,' said another.A fourth wrote: 'Nothing like reinforcing stereotypes. I find this offensive as someone with many people on the autism spectrum in my family.'Another added: 'A new Barbie doll that's described as autistic. In my view, I support genuine representation, but this misses the mark.'Autism can't be summed up with a couple of props. Reducing it to noise-cancelling headphones and a fidget spinner risks reinforcing narrow stereotypes rather than challenging them.'Inclusion should be about listening to autistic people — not packaging us.'The doll is designed with an eye gaze shifted slightly to the side to reflect how some autistic people may avoid direct eye contact.As well as coming with noise-cancelling headphones and a tablet, the doll holds a pink finger clip fidget spinner that actually spins - offering a 'sensory outlet that can help reduce stress and improve focus'.The pink headphones are described as a helpful fashion accessory that reduces 'sensory overload' by blocking out background noise.The pink tablet shows symbol-based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) on its screen, serving as a tool to help with everyday interactions.As part of the doll launch, Mattel said Barbie had teamed up with advocates for the autistic community, including Ellie Middleton - an autistic and ADHD author and creator who was diagnosed with both conditions aged 24.Ms Middleton, who founded Unmasked and has an audience of over 300,000 people online, said: 'To now have an autistic Barbie doll makes me so emotional.'Statistics show that young girls are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, so to have a powerful symbol like this autistic Barbie doll helps bring the conversation around neurodivergence in women to the forefront, so that autistic girls can feel accepted and seen.'Colin Killick, Executive Director of ASAN, added: 'As proud members of the autistic community, our ASAN team was thrilled to help create the first-ever autistic Barbie doll.'It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and that's exactly what this doll is.'Peter Watt, Managing Director of National Programmes at the National Autistic Society, said: 'Seeing more depictions of autism is key to understanding and autism acceptance.'It's really important that these representations are authentic and based on extensive consultation with autistic people, and we're pleased Mattel involved the autistic community in the development of this doll.'