Why Has Mr. Yuk left Indiana?
• The Indiana Poison Center’s decision to discontinue the use of Mr. Yuk warning stickers was based on available research demonstrating that the Mr. Yuk sticker is not a strong method to warn children away from possible poisons. Instead of acting as a deterrent that discourages children from touching a potentially poisonous product, research has found that children can be attracted to the stickers which feature a bright green, frowning face. • Mr. Yuk stickers are only an effective deterrent if parents and caregivers regularly reinforce poison prevention messages with their children. • The effectiveness of the Mr. Yuk sticker as a deterrent depends on the personality and developmental level of each child, which may make him or her more inclined to touch or eat potentially poisonous items. • The responsibility for poison prevention ultimately lies with adults. Potentially poisonous products do not always carry the Mr. Yuk sticker that children have been taught to look out for. Warning s
