---
title: AI Toys - Just because we can, doesn't mean we should
description: From hallucinations to emotional manipulation, AI-powered toys pose significant risks to children's safety and privacy. Discover why experts are warning against the new attachment economy and how schools can protect students.
image: https://safeblog.lgfl.net/hubfs/ai%20toys-jpg.jpeg
---

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# AI Toys - Just because we can, doesn't mean we should

[ Alex Dave ](https://safeblog.lgfl.net/author/alex-dave)

 Mar 3, 2026 11:41:17 AM

Remember the days of Leap Frogs, Furbies and Tamagotchis?

Digital toys are not new, but the race is now on to commandeer the market with toys powered by artificial Intelligence. AI is no longer confined to our screens; it has moved into the physical world and, increasingly, into the hands of our youngest children. Children are already engaging with these technologies via smart speakers and now AI-embedded toys from their earliest years. Examples of this include robots you can command, pets you can care for, cuddly toys that simulate friendship that you can talk to, and Mattel is also collaborating with OpenAI to create AI-powered Barbie toys, aiming to introduce interactive, conversational experiences to young children.

Before you open up your shopping app and start browsing, we would encourage extreme caution.

Currently, the standards and regulations that manufacturers have to meet with regard to the safety of the technology in these toys are limited, and from various tests going on around the world, there are some alarming concerns relating to safety, wellbeing and privacy.

 

![](https://safeblog.lgfl.net/hs-fs/hubfs/ai%20toys%202-jpg-2.jpeg?width=1280&height=720&name=ai%20toys%202-jpg-2.jpeg)

 

## **1. Safety and Content Risks**

Many AI toys utilise Large Language Models (LLMs) similar to ChatGPT, which are prone to **‘hallucinations’**, whereby they generate confident but false or nonsensical information. Many AI toys lack robust parental controls, allowing unmonitored, open-ended conversations. This can lead to:

## **2. Privacy and Surveillance**

AI toys are essentially internet-connected microphones and cameras placed in a child’s most private spaces. This creates significant Data Protection and privacy risks:

## **3. Psychological and Developmental Impact**

The [DfE’s Generative AI Product Safety Standards ](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-ai-product-safety-standards/generative-ai-product-safety-standards)explicitly state that Gen-AI products should not anthropomorphise or imply personhood, consciousness, or identity. Many AI toys, however, are specifically designed to do just this. They are designed to sound like a person and act as a best friend, which can have profound psychological effects on developing minds in particular.

## **Actions for School Leaders**

Under Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), schools have a duty to educate learners about safe and ethical AI use. We suggest you consider the following actions:

As these ‘smart’ toys become more prevalent, our approach must remain rooted in protecting children from harm and promoting their wellbeing. Unless manufacturers can guarantee (through independent evidence) that their products are safe for children to use, we recommend that parents and school leaders swerve the hype.

 

Take a look at our collection of resources to support schools with adopting a Safeguarding First Approach to Adopting AI: [genai.lgfl.net](https://genai.lgfl.net).

AI Toys - Just because we can, doesn't mean we should

6:11

[safeguarding](https://safeblog.lgfl.net/tag/safeguarding), [schools](https://safeblog.lgfl.net/tag/schools), [online safety](https://safeblog.lgfl.net/tag/online-safety), [artificialintelligence](https://safeblog.lgfl.net/tag/artificialintelligence)

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