Chewing, Licking, Biting: How Dangerous Is It When Children Abuse Their Pens? - Chewing, Licking, Biting: How Dangerous Is It When Children Abuse Their Pens?
Art supplies for children face stricter safety rules than many everyday items. Parents are advised to check for specific quality marks when buying pencils or paints for their kids. Yet even with safe products, some habits—like chewing on pencils—can raise concerns.
Chewing on pencils is common among both children and adults. While occasional nibbling is usually harmless, frequent or intense chewing might signal stress in a child. In such cases, parents may need to address the underlying issue.
Not all art supplies are equally safe. Pencils with varnish can sometimes contain unhealthy substances, so unvarnished wooden options are often recommended. German brands like Staedtler and KOH-I-NOOR offer unvarnished lines, including eco-friendly and organic choices. When shopping, parents should look for the CE – DIN EN 71 logo or the GS mark. These labels confirm the product meets safety standards. Children should never use adult supplies, such as highlighters or solvent-based markers, as these can be toxic. If a child swallows harmful substances from art materials, symptoms like paleness or nausea may appear. In such situations, parents must contact poison control without delay.
Choosing the right art supplies helps keep children safe while they draw and create. Unvarnished pencils and certified products reduce risks, though occasional chewing remains a minor concern. For frequent cases, however, parents should observe their child’s behaviour and seek advice if needed.
