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RED ALERT! Before you make the final decision regarding toys for your little ones this Christmas, you’d better think twice before purchasing AI-enabled toys! The U.S. PIRG Education Fund released their November 2025 “Trouble in Toyland” report, and you may want to review it before making any toy purchases to be safe.
In the previous post, I warned about the documented dangers of tweens and teens using AI chatbots and companions. Moreover, I introduced 6 precious victims made in the image of God, aged 13-23. You can read the article (here).
I had stated that my next post would look at how adults interact with AI chatbots and companions. However, children come first. Therefore, I must warn you of the dangers to our babies, toddlers, and youngsters playing with AI “toys”.
We must keep in mind that the chatbot technology used in today’s AI toys is the same as the AI chatbots and companions I spoke of in the last post.
Trouble in Toyland
As I mentioned earlier, the U.S. PIRG Education Fund released their November 2025 “Trouble in Toyland” report. Below are a few of their findings from pages 8-32 in the report.
The PIRG states:
- The advanced systems sound natural and particularly human.
- Some even refer to themselves in the first person.
- Chatbots can generate a new response to any question a child might ask.
- The result is a toy whose behavior can be more lifelike and more unpredictable.
- Companies put guardrails in to try to steer chatbots away from harmful behavior, but these guardrails can fail.
PIRG Reveals the Risks of AI “Toys”
Embedded inside these “toys” is an AI chatbot. Therefore, these AI-powered conversational toys represent an uncharted frontier in children’s products.
A pop musician promoting AI toys made by Curio said in an interview that the first wave of kids playing with AI toys will be like “AI researchers.” However, in reality, PIRG states that AI toys are more like an experiment on our children.
The Four Areas PIRG tested
- Inappropriate content and sensitive topics.
- Addictive design features that encourage extended engagement and emotional investment.
- Privacy features.
- Parental controls.
The toys tested were marketed for children ages 3-12.
Today’s AI “toys” are largely built on the same technology that powers adult chatbots that the companies themselves don’t currently recommend for children. Technology, by the way, that has well-documented issues with accuracy, generating inappropriate content, and unpredictable behavior.
Therefore, why are AI companies allowing toy companies to use their technology in products that are, by definition, for children?
When evaluating AI toys, one of the clearest red flags we found is that toys may allow children to access inappropriate content, such as instructions on how to find harmful items in the home or age-inappropriate information about drugs or sex.
You can read the full report at PIRG’s website (HERE) or download the PDF (HERE)
Consumer Affairs Article
Consumer Affairs reporter Mark Huffman states:
A coalition of leading child-development specialists and technology-safety advocates is urging parents not to purchase AI-powered toys this holiday season, warning that the devices can undermine healthy development, expose families to serious privacy risks, and potentially endanger young children.
The advisory, released by Fairplay and signed by dozens of experts in child psychology and digital safety, pushes back against the booming marketing of “smart companions” for kids.
Companies behind products like Miko, Smart Teddy, Roybi, Loona Robot Dog, and Curio Interactive’s Gabbo/Grem/Grok pitch them as friendly, emotionally attuned companions.
These toys are being advertised as educational and safe for even very young children. But experts say the reality is far more troubling.
Because these products target younger children — many of whom cannot distinguish between real relationships and programmed behavior — the potential for harm is even greater
Young kids often treat digital voice assistants and talking toys as truthful and humanlike. Studies show, for example, that 75% of children ages 3–10 believe Amazon’s Alexa “always tells the truth.”
The advisory also highlights extensive privacy and surveillance concerns.
Fairplay and its co-signers say the risks outweigh the promises. Children should not be used as test subjects for experimental technology embedded into toys that collect sensitive data, mimic relationships, and may say unpredictable or dangerous things.
“Offline teddy bears and toys have been proven to benefit children’s development with none of the risks,” the advisory concludes. As holiday shopping ramps up, experts urge caregivers to steer clear of AI-enabled toys and return to the simple, imaginative play tools that have supported children for generations. Read the full article (HERE)
Other Helpful Articles
- HealthyChildren.org – How Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) Affect Children? – Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we work, play, and communicate. While AI has the potential to help solve complex problems, you’ve likely also heard serious concerns about it—and especially, the ways AI might change the lives of children and teens.
- Futurism.com – AI-Powered Stuffed Animal Pulled From Market After Disturbing Interactions With Children – “This tech is really new, and it’s basically unregulated, and there are a lot of open questions about it and how it’s going to impact kids.” Children’s toymaker FoloToy says it’s pulling its AI-powered teddy bear “Kumma” after a safety group found that the cuddly companion was giving wildly inappropriate and even dangerous responses, including tips on how to find and light matches, and detailed explanations about sexual kinks.
- Psychology Today – The Hidden Dangers of AI Tools in Your Child’s Education – AI in education sounds helpful, but it may be creating a generation that is skilled at following prompts yet struggles with original thinking. Here’s what the research reveals.
- Grandviewresearch.com – Smart Toys Market Report (2024 – 2030) Size, Share & Trend Analysis Report By Product (Interactive Games, Robots, Educational Robots), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, And Segment Forecasts
In Closing
You will notice that because these companies are being sued, they are beginning to put “guardrails” in place or warnings. The companies know very well what these chatbots are capable of, but all they are interested in is the money they are making without regard to the human collateral. However, be encouraged, the judgment of God is coming upon unrepentant hearts.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. – Psalm 127:3
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. – Matthew 18:6 KJV
Paul tells young Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-5:
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
James 5:2-3 warns:
Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment.
Until next time, Maranatha!
I am passionately loving Jesus, the Anchor of my soul!
Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Time is running out. He is waiting with open arms!
