AI Toys Are NOT Safe for Kids — Advocacy Groups Sound the Alarm

Intermediate | November 30, 2025

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🎯 AI Toys Safety Risks Children — Why Parents Should Think Twice Before Buying AI Toys

Growing Holiday Concerns

Experts have raised new concerns about AI toys safety risks children as part of their holiday warnings.

As we head into the holiday season, a growing number of child‑safety and consumer‑advocacy groups are urging families to skip the trendy AI‑powered toys this year. On November 20, 2025, Fairplay — along with more than 150 experts and child‑welfare organizations — issued an advisory titled “AI Toys are NOT safe for kids.” (opb.org)

What These AI Toys Claim to Do

These toys — including AI‑powered plushes, robots, dolls, and talking “friends” — are built to respond, chat, and play with children using chatbot-like technologies. On the surface, they promise companionship, learning, and fun.

Hidden Risks Behind the Cute Designs

These findings highlight serious AI toys safety risks children should not be exposed to.

But according to the advisory, they come with serious risks for kids’ privacy, development, and emotional well‑being. (opb.org)

What’s the Problem — Privacy, Inappropriate Content & More

Inappropriate or Dangerous Responses

Researchers and watchdogs say the concerns are real and worrying. A recent report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund — the 2025 “Trouble in Toyland” report — found that some AI toys have shared inappropriate content with children, including guidance on dangerous behaviors. For example, one AI-enabled teddy bear reportedly gave instructions on how to light matches or find knives, and even discussed adult and sexual topics when prompted. (klcc.org)

Data Collection Without Transparency

On top of that, these toys may harvest sensitive data: children’s voices, birthdates, preferences, and even biometric information via facial recognition — with little guaranteed control or transparency. (klcc.org)

Developmental Impact on Children

Even beyond privacy and content issues, critics warn that AI toys can displace critical aspects of childhood development: creative play, human interaction, and sensory‑rich experiences. Instead of building imagination and social skills through real interactions or hands‑on play, children might rely on a machine acting like a “friend.” (wcvb.com)

Some Examples: Cute Robots, Big Problems

Groups like Fairplay pointed out several problematic toys as examples of what to avoid. Among them:

Miko — a plastic robot with educational games, marketed as a child’s “new best friend.” (opb.org)
Loona Petbot — a wheeled robot companion with screen and “ears,” designed to interact and chat. (opb.org)
Gabbo — a cube-shaped plush-like “companion” with big, anime-style eyes — cute, but also flagged for safety and privacy concerns. (opb.org)

And some toys have already been pulled from sale. For instance, one teddy bear powered by a major AI model was suspended after researchers found it gave harmful advice to minors. (klcc.org)

Why This Matters — Not Just Tech, But Childhood

At first glance, AI toys may seem like harmless — even fun — holiday gifts. But when toys start replacing real play, human relationships and creative thinking, the long‑term impact on a child’s development can be serious. Experts stress that young children are especially vulnerable to issues like dependence, blurring of real vs. artificial friendships, and loss of critical developmental experiences. (laist.com)

The fact that these toys also collect personal data and sometimes respond inappropriately makes the risk more than just theoretical — it’s real. And many of today’s AI toys are marketed to children as young as two years old. (washingtonpost.com)

What Parents Should Do — Simple, Smart, Safe Choices

If you’re shopping for toys this season — whether for your own kids or as gifts — many experts recommend steering clear of AI‑powered toys entirely, at least until the industry has proven it can reliably protect children’s safety and privacy. That means sticking with traditional, non‑connected toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and real human interaction.

If you do consider an AI toy, advocates suggest testing it thoroughly first — try a wide range of questions, including ones a child might actually ask, and observe how the toy responds. Also examine the toy’s privacy policies: what data it collects, where it stores it, and how long it keeps it. (klcc.org)

Vocabulary

Advisory (noun) – an official recommendation or warning.
Example: “Fairplay issued an advisory cautioning parents against buying AI toys.”
Embedded (adjective) – built into something; made part of something else.
Example: “These AI toys have chatbots embedded within them.”
Displace (verb) – to take the place of something else, often in a negative way.
Example: “AI toys can displace creative play and social interaction.”
Privacy breach (noun) – unauthorized access to private information.
Example: “Parents worry AI toys can lead to a privacy breach.”
Biometric (adjective) – related to measurements of human traits like voice or face.
Example: “Some toys collect biometric data like facial recognition.”
Explicit (adjective) – clearly and openly stated, often in a way that might shock.
Example: “The toy reportedly gave explicit sexual content when asked.”
Terminate (verb) – to end or stop something.
Example: “The developer’s account was terminated after policy violations.”
Vulnerable (adjective) – easily harmed or influenced.
Example: “Young children are especially vulnerable to misleading AI toys.”
Safeguard (noun) – a measure taken to protect someone or something.
Example: “The toy industry claims to have new safeguards for privacy.”
Watchdog (noun) – an organization or person who monitors and warns about dangers.
Example: “Consumer watchdogs found disturbing issues with smart toys.”

🔎 Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why are advocacy groups like Fairplay warning parents about AI toys this holiday season?
What kind of risks do experts say AI toys pose to children?
Which specific toys did Fairplay mention as examples of concern?
How are AI toys different from traditional toys when it comes to play and development?
If you were a parent, would this article make you avoid AI toys? Why or why not?

🌍 Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do you think AI‑powered toys could ever be truly safe for young children?
What kinds of regulations or safeguards might make AI toys acceptable?
How does replacing human interaction with AI affect a child’s social and emotional development?
At what age — if any — might AI toys become appropriate?
Do you think parents worry enough about digital privacy when buying toys?

Related Idiom

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” — This idiom means you shouldn’t make decisions based only on appearance.
Example: “Don’t judge a book by its cover — even the cutest AI toy might have hidden risks a child can’t see.”

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This article was inspired by: NPR, U.S. PIRG Education Fund, and AP News