Is there a risk of AI in children’s toys?

The holiday season is fast approaching, and there is one type of children’s toys that is causing some concern:  so called “smart toys” containing artificial intelligence (AI). Consumer advocacy groups (like fairplayforkids.org) have increasingly been raising concerns that the AI is poorly regulated and could actually harm children’s safety and development. Recently the manufacturer of a GPT-4o chatbot integrated teddy bear was forced to remove the toy from the market after concerns that it had shared explicit and inappropriate content when asked questions.

Artificial Intelligence in Children’s Toys: What Parents Should Know and How to Reduce the Risks

AI has made its way into many toys—from interactive dolls and “smart” speakers to robot pets and learning apps. These products can be exciting and educational, offering personalised learning, language development support, and creative play.

But like any emerging technology aimed at children, AI-powered toys also raise important concerns for parents. Understanding these risks—and taking simple, practical steps—can help you make safer choices and protect your child’s wellbeing.

Why AI in Toys Is Growing

Toy companies are increasingly embedding AI into products to do things like:

• Respond to children’s voices

• Personalise play or learning

• Collect data to “improve” interactions

• Connect to apps or online content

• Make toys feel more lifelike

This creates a new type of play experience—but also potentially introduces risks that didn’t exist with traditional toys.

Key Concerns for Parents:

1.Privacy & Data Collection

Many AI toys record speech, behaviour, or preferences. Some transmit data to cloud servers. Risks include:

• Recording sensitive family conversations

• Personal data being stored insecurely

• Data being used for marketing

• Unclear privacy policies

• Possibility of hacking or unauthorised access

Children cannot meaningfully consent to data collection, making this a major child-protection issue.

2. Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

Anything connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can be hacked if poorly secured. In past cases, researchers have uncovered vulnerabilities in smart toys that allowed outsiders to:

• Track a child’s location

• Access the microphone

• Message or communicate through the toy

Although rare, this risk is serious.

3. Inappropriate or Unfiltered Responses

AI toys that generate speech may:

• Give inaccurate information

• Respond in ways that are emotionally inappropriate

• Model harmful behaviour patterns

• Expose children to mature or unexpected content

AI does not “understand” children the way humans do, so mistakes are possible.

4. Impact on Child Development

AI toys can enhance learning, but overuse may:

• Reduce open-ended imaginative play

• Limit social play with peers

• Encourage passive interaction (“the toy leads, the child follows”)

• Affect language development if they replace human conversation

Children learn best from people—not machines.

5. Manipulative Design or Hidden Marketing

Some AI toys can subtly nudge children toward:

• In-app purchases

• Brand loyalty

• Excessive screen time

Children, as they are naturally trusting, are especially vulnerable to persuasive design.

How Parents Can Reduce These Risks:

1. Choose Toys With Clear, Transparent Privacy Policies

Before buying, check:

• What data is collected (for eg is it audio? video? usage patterns?)

• Where the data is stored and for how long

• Whether data is shared with third parties

• If you can delete your child’s data at any time

If you can’t easily find this information, that’s a red flag.

2. Prefer Offline or Locally-Processed AI

Some toys run AI directly on the device—meaning no data leaves your home. These are generally safer than cloud-connected models.

3. Disable Internet, Bluetooth, or Microphones When Not Needed

Simple steps:

• Turn off Wi-Fi connection during play

• Use “offline mode” if available

• Mute built-in microphones

This reduces both data collection and hacking risk.

4. Create Rules for Safe Use

Explain to your child:

• Not to share personal info with the toy

• Not to repeat sensitive family details

• That the toy is not a person, even if it “talks like one”

Turn this into a gentle conversation rather than a warning.

5. Monitor Interactions

Check occasionally how your child and the toy communicate:

• Is the toy giving age-appropriate answers?

• Is it encouraging healthy play?

• Is your child becoming overly attached or dependent?

Stay aware of the tone, content, and behaviour of the toy.

6. Prioritise Balance and Human Interaction

AI toys should never replace:

• Parent–child play

• Social interaction

• Outdoor activity

• Free, imaginative play

Use AI toys as a supplement—not a substitute.

7. Keep Software Updated

Regular updates fix security vulnerabilities.If a company stops providing updates, discontinue the toy’s online features.

8. Buy From Reputable Brands

Larger, well-established companies tend to:

• Have stronger security testing

• Comply with child-privacy laws

• Offer clearer customer support

Unknown brands may cut corners to reduce costs.

AI toys can offer exciting educational experiences—but they come with new privacy, safety, and developmental risks.

By understanding how these toys work, setting clear boundaries, and choosing products wisely, you can give your child the benefits of innovation while keeping them safe, secure, and emotionally supported. Remember, informed and mindful use is essential.

Checklist: How to Choose Safe & Child-Friendly AI Toys

Use this quick guide when evaluating any AI-powered or “smart” toy:

✔ Privacy & Data Protection:

• Does the toy clearly explain what data it collects ( eg audio, video, behaviour)?

• Can you easily find the toy’s privacy policy?

• Does the company allow you to delete your child’s data?

• Does the toy use local processing (safer) rather than sending data to the cloud?

• Is there an option to play offline?

  
  

✔ Security:

• Does the toy require Wi-Fi or Bluetooth? If yes, is the connection secure?

• Can you disable the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not needed?

• Do the manufacturers offer regular software updates?

• Is the company well-known and trusted?

  
  

✔ Safety of Content:

• Is the toy appropriate for your child's age and development?

• Are responses filtered to avoid inappropriate content?

• Can you review or monitor how the toy responds?

• Does the toy avoid encouraging harmful behaviours or unsafe challenges?

  
  

✔ Developmental Considerations:

• Does the toy encourage open-ended play, not just scripted interaction?

• Does it support—not replace—human communication?

• Does it balance digital features with hands-on learning?

• Does it avoid excessive screen time, prompts, or engagement pressure?

  
  

✔ Parental Controls:

• Can you adjust what the toy can access or say?

• Is there a mute button for microphones?

• Are there clear time limit features?

• Can you turn off or restrict online features?

  
  

✔ Marketing & Purchases:

• Does the toy avoid hidden ads or brand influence?

• Is in-app purchasing turned off by default?

• Are there any subscription requirements you need to know upfront?

  
  

✔ Child Awareness

• Have you explained to your child not to share personal details?

• Have you reminded them the toy is not a real friend, even if it talks like one?

• Do you check occasionally how your child and the toy interact?

  
  

If more than a few checkboxes are No or Not sure, it’s worth reconsidering the purchase or using the toy only in offline, supervised mode.

Ref: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://fairplayforkids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AI-Toys-Advisory.pdf

Have a safe holiday period!

Be well,

Paula

Dr  Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting

coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.

Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article