(Newser) – Blowing up balloons is now a bust for kids in the European Union. The popular activity is too dangerous for children under the age of 8 to do unsupervised because they may swallow and choke on the balloons, according to a new toy safety directive for the entire eurozone. Also banned? Blowing noise-makers (too dangerous for kids under 14) and playing magnetic fishing games (small, chokable parts).

"Toys and activities, such as blowing up balloons, are part and parcel of children's play that helps them become independent and self-reliant," one sociologist complained to the Telegraph. "These bans diminish the experience, both of having fun and learning, by turning play into a danger zone with rules that stifle life and adventure for children." (Read more balloons stories.)

