AI-Powered Toys: Fun or Risky for Children?

Dec 25, 2025, 2:34 AM

Hover over text to view sources

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed many aspects of daily life, including the world of toys. Today, children can interact with AI-powered toys that can converse, respond to questions, and even tell stories. While these innovations promise to enhance playtime, they also raise significant safety concerns for parents and child development experts alike.

AI toys, such as talking dolls and interactive plushies, utilize chatbots to engage with children. These toys are equipped with microphones and often connect to the internet, allowing them to generate responses in real-time using large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's ChatGPT. This technology enables a level of interactivity that traditional toys cannot match, but it also introduces risks that are not yet fully understood.

The Appeal of AI Toys

Many parents are excited about the potential educational benefits of AI toys. They hope that these interactive companions can provide entertainment while also fostering learning and creativity in their children. For instance, toys like Curio's Grok and Mattel's upcoming AI products are marketed as tools for companionship and education, aiming to engage children in meaningful ways.

However, the excitement surrounding these toys is tempered by concerns about their safety. Reports from the US PIRG Education Fund have highlighted troubling incidents involving AI toys, such as the Kumma teddy bear, which was found to engage in inappropriate conversations and provide dangerous information to children. Such findings have prompted calls for stricter regulations and safety measures in the development of AI toys.

Safety Concerns

The primary concerns regarding AI toys revolve around inappropriate content, privacy issues, and their impact on children's social development. Researchers have found that some AI toys can inadvertently expose children to harmful topics, including discussions about sexual content and dangerous household items. For example, the Kumma bear was reported to instruct users on where to find knives and other hazardous objects.

Child advocacy groups, such as Fairplay, have warned parents against purchasing AI toys, labeling them as "unsafe" due to their potential to harm children's mental health and social skills. The group emphasizes that young children lack the cognitive ability to navigate the complexities of interactions with AI companions, which could lead to confusion and emotional distress.

Privacy and Data Security

Another significant concern is the data privacy of children interacting with AI toys. Many of these toys record conversations and may collect personal information, raising alarms about data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The FBI has issued warnings about the cybersecurity risks associated with smart toys, advising parents to consider the implications of bringing such devices into their homes.

Some AI toys, like the Miko 3, feature built-in cameras and facial recognition capabilities, further complicating privacy issues. Experts warn that children may disclose personal information to these toys, believing they are engaging with a trusted friend, without realizing the potential risks involved.

The Future of AI Toys

As the market for AI toys continues to grow, toy manufacturers are under pressure to implement effective safety measures. Companies like FoloToy have acknowledged the issues with their products and are working to enhance their safety protocols. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain, and many experts argue that more rigorous testing and regulation are necessary before these toys can be deemed safe for children.

In conclusion, while AI-powered toys offer exciting possibilities for interactive play, they also present significant risks that must be carefully managed. Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed about the potential dangers associated with these toys, weighing the benefits against the risks as they navigate this new landscape of playtime technology. The conversation around AI toys is ongoing, and as the industry evolves, so too will the discussions about their safety and impact on children's development.

Oregon Tech Partners with Google to Enhance Research and Innovation

Oregon Institute of Technology has announced a collaboration with Google Public Sector to integrate Google Cloud's AI and high-performance computing into its research operations. This partnership aims to enhance research capabilities, streamline grant management, and support workforce development across various disciplines.

UW-Madison Lab Fosters Student Innovation with AI and Tech

The UW-Madison Tech Exploration Lab is empowering students to innovate using AI and other emerging technologies. By collaborating with industry partners, students tackle real-world challenges, developing projects that range from digital health solutions to AI-driven business tools.

Oregon Tech Partners with Google Public Sector to Enhance Research

Oregon Institute of Technology has announced a collaboration with Google Public Sector to integrate AI and high-performance computing into its research framework. This partnership aims to enhance research capabilities, streamline grant management, and support workforce development across various disciplines.

Oregon Tech Partners with Google Public Sector for AI Research

Oregon Institute of Technology has announced a collaboration with Google Public Sector to integrate Google Cloud's AI and high-performance computing into its research operations. This partnership aims to enhance research capabilities, streamline grant management, and empower faculty and students across various disciplines.

Google's Custom AI Chips Disrupting the Tech Landscape

Google's tensor processing units (TPUs) are challenging Nvidia's dominance in the AI chip market. With significant investments from major tech firms, Google's TPUs are poised to reshape the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence, particularly as companies like Meta and Anthropic begin to adopt these specialized chips.