AI Toys: Are They Right for Your Child?

That stuffed animal on your child's holiday wish list may do a lot more than talk when you squeeze its paw. 

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is making its way into the toy box. And while some of what these toys can do is pretty exciting, they also raise questions parents haven't had to think about with traditional toys. Some can listen to your child, collect information about them, create new responses based on what they say, or even act like a friend.

Before adding one to your cart, it's worth taking a minute to understand what you're actually bringing home.

What makes an AI toy different?

An AI toy can respond to what your child says or does in ways that aren't programmed ahead of time. Depending on the toy, AI might create pictures or stories, answer questions, help solve problems, or remember things your child has told it. Many also connect to the internet or an app and use microphones or cameras.

One question can help you think about these toys: Is AI helping my child do something, or is interacting with AI the experience?

For example, AI might help your child turn an idea into a picture or create a story. Or a toy might talk with your child, remember past conversations, and be designed to feel like a friend.

That difference matters. Both use AI, but what the AI is doing, and the risks that come with it, are very different.

Does an AI toy make sense for your child right now?

You don't have to start from the assumption that your child needs an AI toy. Think about what it would add and what could go wrong.

AI can get things wrong. 

Unlike a traditional talking toy with prerecorded phrases and songs, AI can create a new response every time your child talks to it. Companies build in safety features, but they don't always work.

Some mistakes may be minor. Others can be much more serious. AI that talks with people is often designed to be supportive and keep the conversation going. But sometimes a child needs someone to say, "No, that's not a good idea," or recognize that they need help. There have been cases where AI companions have agreed with or encouraged young people talking about self-harm, violence, or other dangerous behavior.

AI can sound caring and confident without actually understanding your child or knowing when something is seriously wrong.

Think about what your child might share. 

Kids tell their favorite toys things. An AI toy can listen.

A child might talk about friends, family, fears, health concerns, or things they consider secrets. Even if a company doesn't save your child's voice recording, it may keep a written copy of what they said. Find out what the company keeps, how long it keeps it, and whether you can review and delete it.

Pay closer attention to toys designed to be friends. 

Children have always talked to dolls, stuffed animals, and imaginary friends. But those friends don't talk back.

An AI toy can remember your child, respond in supportive ways, and encourage them to keep talking. That can make the relationship feel surprisingly real.

Real relationships also don't always go the way we want. Friends disagree, have their own needs and feelings, and sometimes frustrate each other. An AI friend designed to be available and supportive doesn't work the same way.

Pay attention to whether AI is adding something to your child's life or starting to replace other play and relationships. The more a child trusts AI as a friend, the more weight they may give its advice.

Age matters, too

For children ages 5 and younger, parents may want to think carefully about introducing an AI toy that has conversations or acts as a friend. Young children are still figuring out what is real, how relationships work, and whether they can trust what they hear. Common Sense Media currently recommends avoiding AI toys for this age group.

For children ages 6–11, focus on using AI together. Help kids understand that AI isn't a person and doesn't have feelings. Talk with them about what information stays private.

For children ages 12 and older, pay more attention to what they're using AI for. Talking with AI about relationships, mental health, or family problems is very different from asking it for homework help or using it to create something.

At any age, ask: What role do I want AI to play in my child's life?

Children don't need AI toys to learn about technology or prepare for a world that includes AI. It's OK if your answer is, "Not this toy," or "Not yet."