What Are AI Toys? | The Real Risks For Kids

An AI toy looks like a friendly plush, doll, or robot, but inside it runs chatbot-style technology that can answer questions, respond with human-like emotion, and recall what your child said weeks ago. The appeal is obvious—a “smart” friend that keeps kids entertained without a screen. The reality, according to safety advocates, is more complicated. Common Sense Media’s testing found these toys pose “unacceptable risks for young children,” citing emotional attachment design and data collection in private spaces.

Before you buy one, it’s worth understanding what these toys actually do, why regulators are worried, and how to tell a safe option from a risky one.

What Makes A Toy An “AI Toy”?

An AI toy is defined by its ability to interact in two-way conversation, not just by having a screen or sensors.

That distinction matters. A toy that lights up or responds to a button press is a smart toy, not an AI toy. A toy that holds an open-ended conversation—one that adapts to what your child says—is in the AI category. Examples cited in safety reviews include:

• Miko — a tabletop robot that chats and answers questions.
• Loona Robot Dog from Keyi Technology — a pet-like robot with personality.
• Smart Teddy and Folotoy — plush-style companions.
• Roybi — marketed as an educational robot.
• Gabbo, Grem, and Grok from Curio Interactive — AI plush toys.

These products share one core behavior: they simulate a relationship. They remember details, respond with emotional language, and are designed to create attachment—which is exactly why safety groups are concerned.

What Do AI Toys Do With Your Child’s Data?

AI toys don’t just talk; they listen and often record. Many collect voice recordings, and some have cameras. That data may be stored locally on the toy, or it may be transmitted to a cloud server—sometimes overseas.

UK government guidance urges parents to check four things before buying: whether the toy records conversations, whether it connects to the internet, where data is stored, and whether it has independent child-safety testing. The guidance also warns that if a toy’s answers are unclear or the data practices are opaque, it may be safer to avoid the product entirely.

The core risk is private-space data collection. A toy that sits in a child’s bedroom is recording the most intimate moments of family life—mealtimes, arguments, bedtimes—and that data may be shared or sold. Some leading AI chatbots used in these products are also officially intended for users 13 and older, meaning the underlying technology was never designed for the young children who receive these toys.

What Are The Safety Concerns Around AI Toys?

Safety advocates point to three main problems with current AI toys. The first is emotional manipulation. These toys are designed to mimic trusted friends and human emotions, which can encourage a child to form a deep attachment to a product that is ultimately a data-collection device.

The second is reliability. Common Sense Media’s testing found that AI toys may not work reliably in practice. A toy that gives inconsistent, confusing, or inappropriate answers isn’t just frustrating—it can be unsettling for a young child who believes the toy is a friend.

The third is the regulatory gap. The U.S. has no federal safety standard specifically for AI toys.

One common mistake is assuming a toy is safe because it’s marketed as educational or as a way to reduce screen time. Industry and advocacy sources warn that marketing can obscure the real data and interaction risks.

How To Choose An AI Toy Responsibly

If you’re considering an AI toy, start by checking whether the manufacturer answers the hard questions. Look for a published privacy policy that states exactly what data the toy collects, where it is stored, and who can access it. If the toy records voice or video, the policy must explain why and for how long.

Also check whether the toy has independent child-safety testing. A reputable manufacturer should be able to point to a third-party evaluation, not just its own marketing claims.

For a curated list of the safest AI toys on the market, our tested roundup breaks down which products meet privacy and safety standards and which ones to avoid.

Finally, consider whether an AI toy is the right choice at all. For very young children—especially those under eight—the risks of emotional attachment and data collection may outweigh the benefits. A simpler toy that doesn’t record or connect to the internet can deliver the same fun without the privacy baggage.