Are toys with artificial intelligence that ‘talk’ to young children safe? | National
Are toys with artificial intelligence that ‘talk’ to young children safe? | National
Publish Date: 2026-03-13 11:46:00
Source Domain: www.fox21online.com
- A new report from the University of Cambridge suggests that AI-powered talking toys aimed at young children should be strictly regulated.
- The study found that these Generative AI (GenAI) toys often misinterpret children’s emotions and can struggle with social and creative play.
- Experts warn that these toys are not always developed with children’s psychological safety in mind.
- While some early-years practitioners believe the toys can aid in developing language and communication skills, concerns remain about inappropriate responses and forming “parasocial” relationships.
- The report recommended tighter regulation, clearer privacy policies, and new safety labels to ensure these toys are appropriate for young children.
